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Heroe? and Heroine? of lV[empliig, 



REMINISCENCES 



YELLOW FEVER EPIDEMICS THAT AFFLICTED THE 

CITY OF MEMPHIS DURING THE AUTUMN 

MONTHS OF 1873, 1878, AND 1879, 

TO WHICH IS ADDED 

A GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION OF MISSIONARY LIFE IN 
EASTERN ARKANSAS, 

BY REV. E>. A. QUINN, 



Quaeque ipse miserrima vidi, 
El quorum pars magna fui." 

Virgil. A ends II. 




PROVIDENCE, R. I. 

E. L. FREEMAN & SON, STATE PRINTERS. 

1887. 






Copyright, 1887. 



S— StOPI 



TO 

ps «rao, Stost geb. f- &. #«&««, 

FORMER BISHOP OF NASHVILLE, PRESENT ARCHBISHOP OF 

CHICAGO, 

THE EVER-FAITHFUL, FEARLESS, AND TRUE SERVANT OF GOD, 

THE VERITABLE " CAPTAIN " OF THE MARTYR-HEROES 

OF MEMPHIS, 

WITH THE HEART-FELT WISH THAT GOD MAY PROLONG 

HIS YEARS, AND INSURE HIS HAPPINESS 

HERE, AND HEREAFTER, 

THIS LITTLE VOLUME 

IS MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED. 



PREFACE 



Seeing that the History of Yellow Fever,* written soon after the 
panic of 1878, was so " sparing" of catholic facts that it scarcely 
referred to Catholicism, I expected then, and during the past 
seven j^ears never resigned the hope, that some clergyman of the 
diocese of Nashville, or worthy catholic citizen of Memphis, more 
competent than myself, would write an impartial History of the 
Lives of those Martyr-Heroes and Heroines, who, in imitation of 
their divine Master, " laid down their lives for the people." 

As up to the present year no one appears to have undertaken 
this task, I considered it an act of justice to the memory of the 
" departed," as also a laudable exemplar of unflinching faith, to 
record my " Yellow-Fever Reminiscences." 

In those instances where I have assumed a hilarious, when a 
serious tone would be more in keeping with the gravity of the 
subject, I simply meant to compensate for the many tearful events 
I had previously recorded, or had yet to record. 

If my narration of facts and " tributes " to the " departed" are 
not couched in grandiloquent words, or choice diction, I have 
only to regret that some one more capable than myself has not 
appropriated the subject. 

However, as all men have to acknowledge some little repertory 
of self-complacency, or self-conceit, I, too, have mine. 

Apart from the pleasure it affords me to extol the virtues of 
my "departed" comrades, I feel assured that, as there are thou- 
sands yet living in Tennessee who can attest the facts I indite, 
my little book will be read, if not with admiration, at least with 
interest and pleasure. 

Rev. D. A. QUFNN, 

Bay-View Seminary, 

Providence, R. I. 
February 25, 1887. 

*By Hon. J. M. Keating. 

lA 



p 




PRIESTS MONUMENT, CALVARY CEMETERY, MEMnilS. 



[Except Nos. 22, 23 and 24, all the Priests whose names are 
mentioned in the opposite page are buried around this monu- 
ment.] 



©bituar\\ 



1. 


Rev. 


2. 


Rev. 


3. 


Rev. 


4. 


Rev. 


0. 


Rev. 


6. 


Rev. 


7. 


Rev. 


8. 


Rev. 


9. 


Rev. 


10. 


Rev. 


11. 


Rev. 


12. 


Rev. 


13. 


Very 


14. 


Rev. 


15. 


Rev. 


16. 


Rev. 


17. 


Rev. 


18. 


Rev. 


19. 


Rev. 


20. 


Rev. 


21. 


Rev 


22. 


Rev. 


23. 


Rev. 


24. 


Very 



PRIESTS. 
Name. Died. 

J. R. Daily, O. P Sept. 23, 1873 

B. V. Gary, O. P Oct. 7, 1873 

D. A. O'Brien, O. P Oct. 9, 1873 

J. D. Sheehy, O. P Oct. 17, 1873 

Father Leo, O. S. F Oct. 17, 1873 

Martin Walsh Aug. 29, 1878 

J. A. Bokel, O. P Aug. 29, 1878 

J. R McGarvey, O. P Aug. 29, 1878 

Michael Meagher Aug. 30, 1878 

Father Erasmus, O. S. F Aug. 31, 1878 

Patrick McNamara Sept 3, 1878 

V. P. Maternus. O. S. F Sept. 9, 1878 

Rev. Martin Riordan, V. G. . . . Sept. 17, 1878 

P. J. Scanlon, O. P Sept. 19, 1878 

V. B. Vantroostenberg Sept. 19, 1878 

James J. Mooney Sept. 27, 1878 

German Father, O. S. F 1878 

Edward Doyle Sept. 4, 1879 

John Fahey Sept 6, 1879 

Ohrysostom Reinike, O. S F...Sept. 9, 1879 

D. E. Reville, O. P 1879 

Patrick Ryan (Chattanooga) 1878 

John F. Walsh (small-pox) Feb. 19, 1882 

Rev. Joseph A. Kelly, O. P Sept. 7, 1885 



.27 
.40 
.42 
.43 
.45 
.40 
.29 
.33 
.46 
.30 
.28 
.35 
.50 
.30 
.35 
.46 

.46 
.29 
.39 
.39 

.38 
.28 
.50 



Mother Gertrude, Superioress of Franciscan Convent ; aged 
41 ; died in 1873. Alphonsa, Superioress, Good Shepherd Con- 
vent ; aged 34 ; died in 1878. Sister Rose, aged 30 ; 1878. Sister 
Josepha, aged 44 yenrs; 1878. Sister Mary Bernardine, aged 
40 years; 1878. Sister Mary Dolora, aged 24 years; 1878. Sis- 
ter Mary Veronica, aged 19 years; 1878. Sister Wilhelmina, 
aged 30 years; 1878. Sister Vincent, aged 22 years; 1878. Sis- 
ter Stanislaus, aged 21 years; 1878. Sister Gertrude, aged 28 
years; 1878. Sister Winkelman, 1878. Sister Frances, Sister 
Catherine, Sister Veronica, and some thirty-five others. 



PRAYER. 

Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the souls of thy servants 
here named, that, being dead to this world, they may live to Thee; 
and whatever sins they may have committed through human 
frailty, do Thou, of thy most merciful goodness, forgive, through 
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Requiescant in pace. 



CORRIGENDA. 



The foot-note at the end of page 1 gives the population of 
Memphis in 1880, 33,452; in page 12, line one, it is stated that 
the population was reduced to 31,000 in 1879, instead of 60,000 
in '73 ; in page 139, the context gives 65,000 as the population in 
1878. These discrepancies may he attributed either to the fluctu- 
ating decline or progress of Memphis, or the different statistics 
given by various authors. My own unbiassed opinion leads me 
to state that immediately before the Fever of '73, Memphis had a 
population averaging from 50,000 to 55,000, which number in 
'79 was reduced to about 33,000. 

In page 38, line 5, read : sandaled, instead of sandalled. 

Page 90, line 28, read : cosmogony, instead of cosmogany. 

Page 129, first line of prose context, read: Virulency of the 
Fever, instead of Virulency Fever. 

In page 139, line 12, read: Some eight hundred went to the 
Howard Encampment, instead of some eight hundred a Howard 
Encampment. 

Page 143, read : Very Rev. M. Riordan, aged 50, instead of 46. 

Page 169, line 11, read: laititia, instead of letitia. 

Page 178, line 13, read : instil, instead of instill. 

Page 207, line 12, read : Victims of Cromwellian cruelty, in- 
stead of victims of the, &c. 

Page 264, line 26, read: run, instead of ran. 



TESTIMONIALS. 



Chicago, Jau. 28, 1887. 
Dear Father Quinn : — I am greatly pleased to learn that you 
are about to preserve from oblivion the memory of the heroic 
Priests and Religious of the diocese of Nashville who gave their 
lives during the Yellow Fever epidemics of 1873, '78 and '79. It 
is very befitting that you should record events of which you can 
truthfully say: " Quorum pars magna fui." In the history of 
the church there will be no grander chapter than that which will 
narrate the noble devotion and self-sacrifice of our Priests and 
Sisters during those most trying times. Wishing you every suc- 
cess, I remain, 

Sincerely and faithfully yours, 

P. A. FEEHAN, 

Abp., Chicago. 

Little Rock, Feb. 4, 1887. 
Dear Fr. Quinn: — With much pleasure I give you the state- 
ment you desire : that you were engaged in the Little Rock dio- 
cese from 1871 to 1878, and had charge of the Memphis & Little 
Rock Railroad Missions as far west as Brinkley, and of the whole 
Mississippi district fronting our State. Your book will, I am 
sure, furnish interesting reading for all who passed through the 
memorable Yellow Fever years of '73, '78 and '79. 
Yours truly, 

EDWARD FITZGERALD, 

Bp., Little Rock. 



Diocese of Nashville, ) 
Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 15, 1887. f 

Rev. Dear Father Quinn : — Allow me to congratulate you 
on the noble work to which, as you inform me, you are devoting 
your leisure hours — to preserve the record of those true martyrs 
of Charity, the Priests and Religious who fell in Memphis, as 
victims of their zeal and devotion, in the Yellow Fever epidemics 
of 1873, '78 and '79. 



X. TESTIMONIALS. 

Your labors, during these eventful years, in Memphis and the 
neighboring missions — Brownsville, Humboldt, Covington, Grand 
Junction, Milan and Mason; the close personal and social rela- 
tions you thus formed with the subjects of your " Reminiscences,'' 
and the prominent part } r ou took in the events you are to describe, 
qualify you in an exceptional manner for the work, and whilst 
enhancing its interest, guarantees its success and faithful execu- 
tion. 

I beg, moreover, to acknowledge with sincere thanks the service 
you are about to render the diocese of Nashville. You will dis- 
charge a debt of gratitude which she owes to the memory of her 
noblest children, whose sublime devotion to duty and heroic self- 
sacrifice shed such lustre upon her history. Hoping and praying 
that their spirit of Apostolic zeal and Charity may ever abide 
with us, and wishing you every blessing, I am, Rev. ] )ear Father, 

Yours sincerely in Xto, 

JOS. RADEMACHER, 

Bp., Nashville. 



Episcopal Residence, ) 

Providence, R. I., March 8, 1887. f 
Rev. D. A. Quinn: 

Rev. Dear Sir : — I am pleased to learn that you propose 
to publish a book giving an account of your experience of the 
visitations of that dreadful scourge — Yellow Fever — in Memphis, 
Tennessee, in the years 1873, '78 and '79. 

A truthful account of the sufferings of the people and fidelity 
•of the Priests and Nuns, who displayed in an eminent degree the 
qualities of the Good Shepherd, whom the fear of death could 
not deter from the duties of their missions of love, will, no doubt, 
be read with interest, not only by the people of Memphis and the 
South, but by the people of the North and the Catholics of this 
diocese, of which you are so respected a subject. The deeds of 
heroism which you have witnessed, and in which you have taken 
an active part, while edifying the faithful, will glorify the church 
of God. Wishing you every success, I remain, 

Yours very sincerely, 

M. M. McCABE, Adm., {sede vacante) 
Diocese of Providence. 



CONTENTS. 



Page.. 

Memphis 1 

Fatal Effects of Fever 8 

What caused the Physical and Financial Decline of Mem- 
phis ? 11 

The Mississippi River 19 

Explanatory Remarks 25 

Rev. William Walsh 30 

Very Rev. J. A. Kelly, O. P 34 

Rev. Aloysius Weiver, O. S. F 35 

Rev. P. O'Brien 39 

Where the Fever was supposed to have Germinated 42 

Churches and Educational Institutions of Memphis 47 

Most Rev. P. A. Feehan 51 

Condition of Memphis after the Fever of 73 54 

-Rev. D. O'Brien, O. P ' 55 

Rev. V. B. Cary, O. P 56 

Rev. J. R. Daily, O. P. 56 

Police and Firemen of Memphis 58 

Fraternal and Benevolent Societies 60 

Fatal CoDsequences of the Fever of '73 66 

Walthal Infirmary 86 

Incidents of the Fever of 73 88 

Rev. J. D. Sheehy, O. P 102 

Dr. Luke Blackburne 103 

Mattie Steveson 114 

Undertaker Jack 116 

The Yellow Fever Scourge of 1878 125 

The much-abused, but sensible Irishman, John D— 134 

Camp Father Mathew 139 

Priests who died of Fever in 78 142 

Rev. M. Meagher 148 

Very Rev. M. Riordan, Y. G 150 

Rev. M. AValsh 156 

Rev. P. McNamara 159 



Xll. CONTENTS. 

Page. 

Rev. E. Doyle 161 

Rev. J. J. Mooney 165 

Rev. J. Pahey 168 

Revs. Bokel, MeGarvey, Reville, O. P 169 

Rev. P. Ryan 171 

Catholic Sisterhood of Memphis 175 

The Fever-Proof Band of St, Joseph Sisters 182 

Incidents of the Fever of '78 185 

Thrilling Incidents 195 

Extract from Keating's History. 200 

Some Outspoken Facts 203 

General Remarks 211 

Cities that escaped the Fever — Nashville 220 

Right Rev. Jos. Rademacher 227 

History of Yellow Fever 230 

Synopsis of Missionary Life in Eastern Arkansas 23o 

A Priest's Missionary Yalise 236 

Hopefield, Marion and Mound City. 240 

Forest City, Brinkley and Osceola 244 

An Arkansas Quagmire 255 

The Little Rock Railroad 257 

Inhabitants of the Swamps 264 

Irish Immigrants in Eastern Arkansas 266 

The Hoosier, or Country Native Arkausian 271 

The Diocese and Bishop of Little Rock 300 

An Apology 305 



REMINISCENCES 



Yellow Fever Epidemics ot 1873,, 78 and 79, 



MEMPHIS. * 



The City of Memphis (at present called the 
"Taxing District" of Shelby County), situ- 
ated on a pleasant " Bluff," whose western 
slope overhangs the Mississippi river (lat. 
35.9, long. 90), includes within its corpora- 
tion limits about eight square miles, being 
the product of its extreme length from Chel- 
sea to Fort Pickering, four miles, north and 
south ; and from the river-front to the inter- 
section of Poplar and Dunlap streets, two 
miles, east and west. 

Towards the commencement of the year 
1873, Memphis had a population of some 
sixty thousand. Of these, about one-third 
belonged to the colored race, while the re- 
maining two-thirds consisted (like other 
American cities) of white native born citi- 

* According to census of 1880 (Rand & McNally), the population of Memphis 
was 33,452. 



2 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

zens and immigrants from Ireland, Germany, 
France and Italy. From its first settlement 
until the eventful year, '73, the increase of 
wealth and population in Memphis was un- 
precedented. At that period several Irish 
and German residents distinctly remembered 
when Memphis was but a village ; when 
droves of cattle grazed upon the land, which 
then, as now, formed its chief thoroughfares. 

COURT SQUARE IN SUMMER. 

To see Memphis in a " nut shell," the 
Northern tourist should enter that beautiful 
city " reservation " known as Court Square. 
From this impaled enclosure, the visitor can 
enjoy the beauties of both country and city 
life. On the green, daisy-bedecked sward, 
shaded by miniature forests of lilac, cypress, 
myrtle and cedar trees, moistened by the 
spray of its marble fountain, might be seen 
artistic flower beds, circumscribed by mimic 
walls of pinks, geraniums, violets and helio- 
tropes. Blooming on either side of semi-cir- 
cular promenades and pleasant avenues, was 
a choice variety of the two flower queens, the 
rose and lily, surrounded by a multitude of 
sweet-breathing honeysuckles, clover and but- 
tercups. But to the Northern tourist there is 
nothing half so enchanting as the climatic 
mocking bird, poised on some leafy bough of 



COURT SQUARE IN SUMMER. 3 

the Southern native and incomparably fra- 
grant "Magnolia." 

It is very pleasant to watch another South- 
ern native — the Humming bird, flitting about 
or burying his long beak and starry forehead 
in the moist bosom of a rose or peach blos- 
som ; but to feel a thrill of ravishing enjoy- 
ment, the Southern wild mocking bird must 
be heard with leisure : — 

" Winged mimic of the woods ! thou motley fool, 
Who shall thy gay buffoonery describe ? 
Thine ever-ready notes of ridicule 
Pursue* thy fellows still with jest and jibe ; 
Wit, Sophist, Songster, Yorick of thy tribe, 
Thou sportive satirist of Nature's school ; 
To thee the palm of scoffing we ascribe, 
Arch-mocker and mad abbot of misrule !" 

— Wilde. 

While reclining in the park, you see, here 
and there, the nurse, the baby and the baby 
carriage ; the tired or glutted tramp, or, 
forsooth, the lover and his lady, sitting or 
strolling over the very spot where, ten years 
before, the portly hog wallowed in the 
sunshine, and the long-bearded " William " 
browsed or slept beside his more useful neigh- 
bors, the cow, the sheep and the mule. 

Turning from the rural landscape to city 
life, we see, at no great distance, the large 
warehouses and wholesale business firms of 
Second street, facing the richly furnished dry 



4 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

goods stores, jewelry establishments and pub- 
lic offices of Main street. 

On every adjacent street you hear the rum- 
bling of numerous vehicles, from the humble 
hand and grocery-cart, dray and ice wagon to 
the more pretentious gurney, cab and horse- 
car. The fruit men and women are chanti- 
cleering the merits of their stock with a very 
sad tone in their screeching. On either side- 
walk you behold man and womankind of 
every description : the chubby little daugh- 
ter in " shorts " making love to her well 
dressed mamma in seal or silk, or perhaps 
trying to elicit her mamma's affection for a 
doll or a new hat ; the gaunt country " hoos- 
ier " striding past his fashionable city brother, 
whose bosom front and gold mounted cane 
sparkle in the sunlight ; the little newsboys 
and girls, singing out in various national 
tones, "Appeal! only five cents;" " Ava- 
lanche ! all about the late ' scandal ' in Fort 
Pickering," or the "'murder and robbery ' 
on Wolf Creek." The evening Ledger leaves 
poor Catholic "Adam" far behind in the race 
for dollars and dimes. 

The ill-requited bootblack is ever at your 
service in Court Square. "Shine your boots!" 
Lately they have prefixed a very enticing 
word to their " shining " capabilities : "Mis- 
ter " or " Miss, Avon't you let me shine your 



COURT SQUARE IN SUMMER. 5 

nice little boots?" This irresistible appeal 
causes the loftiest notions of the Memphis 
belle to descend to her feet ; even the gents 
can scarcely resist the temptation of admiring 
their " nice little boots." 

If the tourist's visit to Court Square has 
been in the early morning, he cannot avoid 
hearing the cheery whoop of the street milk- 
man, calling out the sleepy damsel of the 
kitchen, not in a plaintive semi-tone like 
the charcoal man's : rH#- 



s 



nor a sad minor like 

the fruit woman's, « Char _ coa i i ch; 

nor the octave in which the anxious mother 



eh 



t 



calls her truant boy, thus: 
but a wild, funny, un- 
writable howl, expressive «jj, 
at once of haste, good humor, and good un- 
derstanding with the cook, who is to pop out 
from the rear entrance. If she does not come 
at once — and she seldom does, liking the 
" lordliness," perhaps, as well as her lady — 
the jolly milkman shouts once more, with 
the addition of "wide awake! " or "all alive, 
now !" or "come, my girl ! " though this last 
is generally reserved till the papillated head 
comes in sight. 

But it is time to bring the reader from the 
scenery of Court Square to the history of 
earl} 7 Memphis. 



6 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Speaking of early Memphis, some old citi- 
zens toll a story which, for all I can vouch, 
may be a very fine "yarn." 

One fine morning during the "fall" of Sep- 
tember, a country negro was seen leisurely 
driving his mule team loaded with cotton, 
the product of his year's toil, along that 
thoroughfare since macadamized Beale street. 
All of a sudden he and his mules sank into 
the earth. Some days after, a hat was dis- 
covered, partly concealed by the mud. The 
hat was found to rest upon a human head. 
After several hours' excavating, the cotton 
was unearthed, but the poor negro and his 
mules had already gone to that " bourne 
whence no ' white folk ' or ' darkies ' ever 
return." * 

Although no such occurrence could take 
place in Beale or any other paved street in 



* The following is a clipping from a Memphis weekly, of date February 12, 
1887: 

One of the leading thoroughfares to the city is Johnson avenue. In the fall 
of last year that part of the bed of the road leading to Alabama street was dug 
up, and three or four feet of the surface given away to some wealthy lot owners, 
eitizens and tax-payers on the avenue petitioned the council for the grading of 
the avenue, from which crossiugs and grade levels for sidewalks were removed. 
The avenue was reported dangerous and almost impassable. No heed was paid 
to the remonstrances so frequently made. On last Saturday morning the milk 
wagon of J. T. Briggs was sent in, on its usual trip over the avenue, and in the 
early morn the cries of the driver were heard, as himself, wagon and horse were 
being absorbed in a vortex on the avenue Forty gallons of milk were vainly 
sacrificed to the deity of the vortex, and a few hours afterward cables were 
anchored on the wagon to resurrect it. A number of men worked these cables 
until they >ucceedcd in dragging the wagon ashore. Ike came along with his 
mule and made soundings, and reporting " no bottom ! " The citizens on John- 
son avenue are going to vote a medal to Tap. Iladdcn & Co. 



COURT SQUARE IN SUMMER. 7 

Memphis to-day, still, it must be acknowl- 
edged that several roads leading to Memphis 
(Johnson's avenue, Old Raleigh, Pigeon Roost 
and Hernando Roads) are yet capable of in- 
gloriously engorging a teamster to the waist 
and a team to the hubs. 

I often witnessed country farmers tasking 
their wits as well as muscular energy, en- 
deavoring to stimulate four strong mules to 
drag their empty teams as far as the city 
limits. Indeed, I would rather undertake a 
journey from Providence to Memphis than 
ride from the city poor-house to Estival Park 
in bad weather. The following clipping from 
Adam, a Memphis Catholic weekly, of Jan. 
8, 1887, although evidently ludicrous, must 
have some pertinent cause for its insertion : 

"President Hadden (acting Mayor) is in Nashville, arranging 
for a balloon in which he can visit some of the streets and ave- 
nues of Memphis during the next ninety days. A boss balloon, 
capable of buoying up a mule and a load of coal, is being pre- 
pared for the especial accommodation of coal men." 

Of course, these difficulties occurred only 
in moist or rainy weather. The same can be 
said of all Southern and other cities where 
sand and rock are not indigenous. 

I make these palliative remarks to obviate 
the insinuation that young and oid Memphi- 
ans of either sex must be a " terror " to pal- 
ace-car porters, school janitors and sextons ; 



8 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

that while Nashvillians, their ancient rivals, 
tread upon sand and cobble, they are destined 
to love and pray, marry and get divorced in 
dirty boots. There is provision made for such 
emergencies. Instead of burying their dainty 
feet in pasty mud, the fair and less fair "sex" 
envelop them in rubber "Wellingtons." Mem- 
phis, when out of her "rubbers," has an upper 
and lower understanding, as solid and "pol- 
ished " as any city in the land. 

FATAL EFFECTS OF FEVER IN MEMPHIS. 

Returning to the prosperous year, '73, it 
was a pleasant reminiscence for real estate 
owners, that the land and lots they purchased 
ten or fifteen years before, for so many cents 
a square rood, they could now sell for several 
hundred dollars a lineal foot. 

One instance of a purchase made in the 
year 1866 will convey an idea of the enor- 
mous value of property at the time ; while 
its subsequent depreciation will show what a 
calamitous effect Yellow Fever had, not only 
on human life, but also on real estate. 

Very Rev. M. Riordan, Vicar General of 
the diocese of Nashville, purchased a ceme- 
tery site three and a half miles outside the 
city limits. The price he paid for eighty 
acres ($40,000) was considered a great bargain 



FATAL EFFECTS OF FEVER. 9 

at the time. The unpaid principal was to 
bear interest at the exorbitant rate of ten 
per cent. Apart the sacred character of the 
land, what was it actually worth after the 
panic of '78? I doubt if a business man in 
Memphis would take a mortgage on it for 
four thousand dollars. Further, if it were 
not that these grounds held "those" that 
were dear and sacred to the Catholics of 
Memphis, the land was scarcely worth the 
cost of reclamation. And yet, the man who 
sold this land to the Catholics (making no 
allowance for the decrease in value) relent- 
lessly demanded his " pound of flesh." Af- 
ter the Fever had subsided, there was still 
some amount over nine thousand dollars due 
on the cemetery. The agent of the sale said, 
" A bargain is a bargain. We must have the 
last cent of our money."* More than the 
first principal was already paid over in exor- 
bitant interest at the time. 

Seeing that money was not forthcoming, 
the agent's lawyer caused a fence to be built 
right through the centre of the mound wherein 
lay the bodies of twenty-two martyr priests, 
who died for the people. In sight of this 
vandalism, the once proud Catholics of Mem- 
phis held down their heads in sorrow. Rest- 

* $9,137.13 due F. M. White, agent of Kerr estate; $4,000 due Butchers and 
Drovers' Bank, St. Louis; $5,000 due J. G. Elder; $5,444.32 due Emmet Bank, 
Memphis; $4,000 due Memphis Insurance Co. 



10 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

ing beneath the adjacent willows, were the 
remains of brave Irishmen, who, if living, 
would never tolerate a rude fence post within 
a few inches of a Martyr's bones. 

By these scathing remarks, I do not wish 
to throw all the odium on the agent of the 
sale. I suppose he simply did what he con- 
sidered his duty. I can only say it was sad 
the Catholics were so scanted in their store 
of " savings " that they were unable to antic- 
ipate this shameful crisis. 

I trust I will not overtask the reader's pa- 
tience when I repeat that if there is a vener- 
able spot in America, it is that " hallowed 
mound" that contains the "remains" of so 
many young and resolute Martyrs. The rose, 
tulip and lily that bloom outside might well 
envy the happy lot of their lovely compan- 
ions within this sacred plot. Far and wide 
through the States, and across the ocean in 
Ireland, faded leaves, plucked from those 
graves, are kept in fond memory. 

While Father Riordan lived, he did all in 
his power to meet the ever-flowing tide of 
interest; and had Memphis continued to pro- 
gress, he might have lived to see his church 
and cemetery out of debt. But when some 
of his best people died in '73, he was forced 
to invest the church money and every availa- 
ble fund to satisfy the cemetery corporation. 



DECLINE OF MEMPHIS. 11 

This unfortunate purchase not only in- 
volved St. Patrick's (of which Father Rior- 
dan was pastor), but St. Bridget's and St. 
Peter's churches were to some extent com- 
promised. In order to meet the creditors' 
demands, the cemetery directors were forced 
to make laws, some of which were stringent 
and odious. If a pauper's grave were to be 
given, the application that he was penniless 
should have the pastor's signature. It was 
forbidden to bring the corpse in a hearse or 
have a carriage accompanying. In several 
cases Catholics who had spent their reserved 
funds during the Fever found it impossible to 
purchase lots at the price demanded. 

The Bishop of the diocese, Right Rev. P. 
A. Feehan, sanctioned the issue of "Calvary 
cemetery bonds " to aid those poor creditors 
who lent money to Father Riordan in his 
financial difficulties. I can vouch the good 
Bishop, from his own private resources, paid 
several large sums of money to appease anx- 
ious creditors. 

WHAT CAUSED THE PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL 
DECLINE OF MEMPHIS? 

Ever since the year 1873, the growth of 
Memphis ceased, or rather it continued to de- 
cline until '79, when its population was re- 



VI HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

duced to thirty-one thousand (instead of sixty 
thousand in '73). What primary cause can 
be assigned for this alarming decrease? It is 
not the geographical situation of Memphis. 
In this respect Memphis possesses decided ad- 
vantages. For "shipping" and "receiving," 
it is the most accessible; and for the needy 
planter, it is the most feasible cotton mart 
between St. Louis and New Orleans ; while 
it is the most direct centre for emigration to 
Arkansas, Texas, and the great West. To 
what, then, shall we ascribe the decline of 
Memphis? As I have already insinuated, I 
do not hesitate to state Yellow Fever has been 
the cause. "Yellow Jack," as it sometimes 
enjoys the sobriquet, has been the " bane and 
curse," not only of Memphis proper, but of 
all the towns one hundred miles above and 
two hundred miles below the city, on the 
Mississippi river. As the chief city of a great 
State, Memphis had reason to rejoice at the 
facilities that made her depots and harbor the 
outlets to commerce and emigration. But a 
city destined to flourish, needs, besides a cen- 
tral place in the map of the States, a favorable 
topography. With all due respect to the cit- 
izens and property owners of Memphis, to 
whom it is a question of dollars and cents to 
depreciate their fair city, I beg to state that, 
in this latter respect, Memphians have little 



DECLINE OP MEMPHIS. 13 

or no reason to congratulate themselves. 
Right opposite Memphis, with nothing but 
the river dividing, yon see the great forests 
and swamps of Arkansas. During the spring 
and autumn, these swamps are covered with 
a sheet of stagnant water inland to the St. 
Francis river, a distance of 40 miles, and 
along the confines of the Mississippi, from 
New Madrid to Helena, a distance of 200 
miles. I specify these limits, not that the 
swamps do not extend far beyond, but in so 
far as they bear upon the history and health 
of Memphis. To thoroughly understand the 
location of Memphis, it is further necessary 
to state that a considerable portion of Ten- 
nessee, and that part of the State of Missis- 
sippi in the vicinage of Memphis, are also 
swampy and unarable. Take, for instance, 
Jackson, which is the nearest important town 
to Memphis. It is nothing but an oasis in 
the midst of a loathsome quagmire. Then r 
right under the shadow of Memphis, in Mis- 
sissippi, pretty little Hernando has always the 
chills and fever. Tennessee has, towards the 
south, quite a number of other pretty little 
village daughters, who, if they have not the 
" ague," are going to have it soon. 

I would be wishing well to my friends in 
Brownsville, Humboldt, Bolivar and Grand 
Junction, if I prayed they should never be 



14 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

obliged to take a more bitter "dose" than 
this flimsy sarcasm. If those noble philan- 
thropists, Messrs. Holbrook and Keely, were 
living, they would endorse this description. 
And there is, at my writing this, a man 
still living in Grand Junction (McLaughlin) 
who has the terrors of Yellow Fever in his 
heart. 

It is generally allowed that Yellow Fever 
is not indigenous to Memphis. Grant the 
" spore" is exotic. What is this when it veg- 
etates with such alarming rapidity ? The 
bones of twenty thousand men, women and 
precious little children, now sleeping in Elm- 
wood and Calvary Cemeteries, prove the last 
assertion. Whether the prime germ is a creep- 
ing plant or an invisible animalcule, it has 
poisoned the best flesh and blood of Memphis. 
I am not prepared to give a fixed opinion as 
to the cause of Yellow Fever in Memphis. 
In fact, people living a thousand miles dis- 
tant can furnish, in this regard, as reliable 
information as the inhabitants themselves. 
Even when a patient is afflicted with the Fe- 
ver, it is almost impossible to diagnose its 
presence. I believe few clergymen or physi- 
cians in Memphis have seen more cases of 
Yellow Fever than myself. Outside an epi- 
demic, I could not certify as to its existence. 
Some of the most eminent physicians of Mem- 



DECLINE OF MEMPHIS. 15 

phis assured me that, were they to see in a 
Northern city a person having the supposed 
symptons, they would banter the notion of 
Yellow Fever. It commences with a light or 
a severe chill. Then a fever follows, which 
may or may not be checked, and still the pa- 
tient dies. There is no special color or visible 
mark to indicate the presence of a foreign dis- 
temper. I grant that, in most cases, there is 
great thirst ; but then there are others that 
have no thirst, and you cannot be sure which 
is the better sign. A Priest in '78 told me he 
could always detect the presence of Fever by 
an offensive odor as he passed the house in 
which it was. It reminded him, he said, of 
decayed flesh or of an old nest of rats. I 
experienced the same odor, but I always at- 
tributed it to excessive perspiration or bed- 
ding not properly aired. But what about 
black vomit? This, I allow, appears to be 
an invariable sign wherever it occurred ; but 
then, as a warning, this comes too late to af- 
ford an opportunity to relieve the patient. 
Besides, I knew several persons who died 
without retching. 

Physicians may say this is all nonsense. 
" We can diagnose as well as locate the exist- 
ence of Yellow Fever." In reply, I can pos- 
itively vouch that almost every physician 
whose opinion I asked concerning patients 



16 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

was invariably mistaken in the result. Those 
whom they distinctly asserted would succumb, 
survived ; while those whom they designated 
as sure to live were sure to die. Besides, not 
a few of those good men indited a very differ- 
ent ''prescription" for their own wives and 
children at home. It was a simple and, I 
must allow, a most efficient homoeopathic 
remedy — " Pack your Saratogas and make 
ready to decamp as soon as possible." Many 
a skilful family physician might be seen play- 
ing marbles or "blind man's buff" with his 
little boys and girls 500 miles away, while his 
enamelled shingle and office hours in Mem- 
phis wafted to the breeze during the eventful 
autumn of ? 78. I am not disposed to censure 
them for this. If christian charity " begins 
at home," it is only fair to allow the Doctor to 
save himself and his family first. Although 
it appears a streak of jocularity, it is an in- 
contestable fact that those physicians who 
"ran away" saved far more than those who 
remained. 

Lest my remarks should create a hostile 
impression, I beg to state, in justice to the 
medical fraternity of Memphis, that as a body 
they can compare with their brethren in any 
city of the Union. Some of the most suc- 
cessful and skilful physicians in America, I 
do not hesitate to say, are to be found in 



DECLINE OF MEMPHIS. 17 

Memphis. The late Doctors Rice, Cavenagh 
and Taylor, if they had equals, had no supe- 
riors in their profession. If Northern physi- 
cians claimed superior science, they not only 
failed to exhibit it, but showed a lack of am- 
bition by not volunteering to heal poor pros- 
trate Memphis. 

The " spores" or "germs" of Fever not 
only deceived the physicians of Memphis, 
but heretofore have baffled human research. 
The people simply know it comes. That is 
all. 

The next question, How or why does fever 
spread ? If we accept the opinions of certain 
wiseacres, who attribute its propagation to foul 
air or defective sewerage, in this, also, we are 
left in a hopeless quandary. It is worthy of 
mention that since the year 1879, when the 
city was thoroughly flushed and sewered, no 
€ase of Fever has since occurred in Memphis. 
But this fact does not speak for Chattanooga 
(300 miles distant), nor for the other towns 
of Tennessee and Mississippi that were rav- 
aged by the Fever of '78. The citizens had 
no compulsory sewerage in Brownsville, Hum- 
boldt, Milan or Covington, yet these places 
have escaped since '79, just as Memphis. I 
have no faith myself in the theoiy that drain- 
age pipes, sewers, and other domestic precau- 
tionary experiments can ever place Memphis 



18 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

beyond the reach of Yellow Fever. If the 
Fever this or next year were to break out in 
Grenada, as it did in '78, I firmly believe 
Memphis could never guard against the in- 
fection. 

It is my firm conviction that, until the Mis- 
sissippi river is properly leveed, the miasmatic 
swamps of Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri 
will always destine Memphis a fitting soil for 
the spread of this woful plague. And, grant- 
ing that Yellow Fever does not re-visit Mem- 
phis every year, this immunity is no sign that 
in the meantime the surrounding swamps will 
fail to do their mischief. 

During my residence of nine years in that 
ill-fated city, I regret to say that, compared 
to Northern or Eastern cities, Memphis has 
had more than an average share of malaria, 
chills and pneumonia, It cannot be expected 
otherwise in a city whose head is bathed in 
the murky waters of Wolf Creek, and flank 
and feet washed by the unfiltered waters of a 
fickle, but headstrong, river that submerges 
eight thousand square miles of adjacent coun- 
try (40 by 200 miles). Although the inhabi- 
tants consider it healthy, you could scarcely 
see a red marble in a glass of Mississippi 
water. The sediment is either sand or mud ; 
I mean when the water is fresh. To a fertile 
imagination, or under a microscope, there 



THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 19 

may be in it infinitesimal " protoplasms/' that 
would upset the brain of another Darwin or 
Huxley. Not wishing to malign a river no 
more than an individual, I must say this mud 
is not proper to the Mississippi, but rather 
indigenous to the Missouri (mud river). 

THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 

The waters of the Mississippi (Indian Miche 
Sepe, Father of Waters), from its source in 
Lake Itasca to its confluence with the Mis- 
souri, a few miles above St. Louis, are clear 
as crystal. In '72, I travelled from St. Paul, 
Minn., to St. Louis, and thence to New Or- 
leans (2000 miles) by steamboat. Leaving 
St. Paul, you notice swivel metal bridges 
spanning the river at every important town 
until you reach St, Louis. Below this city, 
until you reach the Gulf of Mexico (1,250 
miles), there is no stationary communication 
between the opposite States. As you pass Du- 
buque, Davenport, Burlington and Quincy, 
the waters are translucid, if not perfectly 
transparent. In all this distance, until you 
come to Alton, a few miles above St. Louis 
(where the Missouri meets the Mississippi), 
there is no " caving" of the river banks. 
From Alton, or rather from Cape Girardeau 
(50 miles below St. Louis), where both rivers 
commingle, all the way to New Orleans, the 



20 HEROES AND HEROTNES OF MEMPHIS. 

waters are noticeably opaque and murky. 
From this latter town we may also trace the 
immense tract of country in undated by the 
Mississippi and its tributaries, the Ohio, Ar- 
kansas, Reel, White, Yazoo and St. Francis 
rivers. Mewing the country on either side 
of the river, from this town until you reach 
Memphis, and thence to New Orleans, the 
entire country, during the spring and fall, 
presents to the eye nothing but impenetrable 
forests of cedar, cypress, canebrake, and im- 
passable swamps. The river flows in a ser- 
pentine course, slowly encroaching, if not 
engorging, on the east the levees fronting 
Columbus, Randolph, Memphis, Vicksburg, 
Natchez and Baton Rouge ; while it attacks 
Helena on the west or opposite side. The 
river-bed is so irregular and tortuous that, 
from the mouth of the Ohio, at Cairo, to the 
Gulf, is 1,097 miles, whereas, by a straight 
line it is but six hundred miles. It some- 
times forms almost a complete circle, as at 
Bayou Sara and Vicksburg, where a cut of 
one mile would shorten the route twenty-five 
miles. In the adjacent lakes, wild fowl, gar 
fish and alligators abound ; while deer, pan- 
thers, wolves, bears and wild cat are fre- 
quently met in the forests. Although the 
Mississippi, from the " falls " of St. Anthony 
to the mouth of the Ohio, has an average 



THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 21 

depth of six feet, still, during certain parts 
of the year navigation in the Upper Missis- 
sippi is difficult, if not frequently very dan- 
gerous, owing to the presence of snags and 
sand bars. If sand bars (accumulated sand) 
do not always prove destructive, they never 
fail to be very annoying and tedious, delay- 
ing regular packets two and three hours, and 
sometimes as many days. A snag is the 
river-pilot's most dreaded spectre. As the 
decayed trunks or limbs of trees that have 
fallen in the river become imbedded in the 
sand, they present a formidable obstacle to 
the frail hulk or prow of a passing steamboat. 
Their presence, unlike the sand bar, can sel- 
dom (unless when exposed to view) be de- 
tected by the trained eye of the pilot. 

To a stranger, it appears an in solvable prob- 
lem how human vision, however observant, 
can steer the largest floating palace, as well 
as the smallest craft, through these pathless 
waters, beset by countless hidden dangers. 
It is safe to say that a salt water pilot would 
not steer a toy steamer displacing a depth 
of thirty inches, half a mile, on the Missis- 
sippi river, before he would be "stranded," 
"snagged," or " blown up." The alluvial 
lands on either side of the Mississippi, from 
Memphis to the Gulf, are indescribably rich. 
I have seen growing in the fields corn-stalks 



22 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

fifteen (15) and cotton twelve feet in height. 
The land can yield three plentiful crops in 
the year. Yet, within the next century there 
is little likelihood these regions will become 
the settled home of civilized man. So long 
as the Mississippi river is left to its wayward 
meandering course, the States that are in- 
vaded by its waters will neither be habitable 
nor healthy. To confine the river to its nat- 
ural bed, and thus save the surrounding coun- 
try, it would be necessary to construct an en- 
tirely new levee, from the mouth of the Ohio 
to the Gulf of Mexico (1,095 miles). It is 
not probable the Government will expend the 
enormous outlay necessary to complete this 
work for man} 7 years to come. 

The "Century magazine" of March, 1883, 
thus describes the country bordering on the 
lower Mississippi : 

" On the banks of these immense waters, 
surrounded by dikes, sluices and bayous, lie 
hundreds of miles of the richest plantations 
in America. The scenery of this land, where 
it is yet in its wild state, is weird and fune- 
real ; but on the banks of the large bayous, 
broad fields of corn, of cane, and of rice, open 
out at frequent intervals on either side of the 
stream, pushing back the dark, pall-like cur- 
tain of moss-draped swamp, and presenting to 



THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 23 

the passing eye the neat and often imposing 
residence of the planter, the white double r< >w 
of field hands 7 cabins, the tall red chimney 
and broad gray roof of the gin-house. Even 
when the forests close in upon the banks of 
the river, there is a wild and solemn beauty 
in the shifting scene, which appeals to the 
imagination when the cool morning lights or 
the warmer glows of evening impart the colors 
of the atmosphere to the surrounding wilder- 
ness, and to the glassy waters of the narrow 
and tortuous bayous that move among its 
shadows. In the last hour of day, these 
scenes are often illuminated with an extra- 
ordinary splendor. From the boughs of the 
dark, broad spreading live-oak, and the phan- 
tom-like arms of lofty cypresses, the long, 
motionless pendants of pale gray moss point 
down to their inverted images in the unruf- 
fled waters beneath them. Nothing breaks 
the wide-spread silence. The light of the de- 
clining sun at one moment brightens the tops 
of the cypresses ; at another, glows like a fur- 
nace behind their black branches, or broadens 
down in dazzling crimsons and purple upon 
the mirror of the stream. Now and then, 
from out some hazy shadow, a heron, white 
or blue, takes silent flight ; an alligator cross- 
ing the stream sends out tinted bars of widen- 
ing ripples ; or on some high, fire-blackened 



24 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

tree a flock of roosting vultures, silhouetted 
on the sky, linger with half-opened, unwilling 
wing, and flap away by ones and twos until 
the tree is bare." 

A great part of the country between Vicks- 
burg and New Orleans is not only marshy 
and uninhabitable, but an impassable quag- 
mire. For several miles above New Orleans 
you can see, as the train passes, the landscape, 
as far as the eye can reach, yielding like an 
earthquake to the weight of the train. For 
some twenty miles the railroad track is rest- 
ing on spiles driven into the earth. I have 
often noticed plants, brushwood and even 
trees making suspicious, if not ominous, 
courtesies to the passing trains. When trav- 
elling by steamboat you would think it al- 
most a pity to see every now and then ex- 
posed to view the great roots of some gigantic 
forest trees, that are soon to be buried in or 
carried away by the river. 

As in this short chapter I have undertaken 
to give a brief description of the Mississippi, 
and the incalculable ruin it entails upon the 
Southern country, I do not wish to leave in 
the reader's mind a sinister impression of the 
river itself. It is truly a majestic stream, 
justly entitled the " Father of Rivers " ; and 
if we compute the immense volume of waters 
which it annually pours into the ocean, is 



EXPLANATORY REMARKS. 25 

unquestionably the mightiest river on the 
surface of the globe. 

I will pass on to another subject, as I quote 
the following lines from the poet Wordsworth : 

"Never did sun more beautifully steep 

Iu his first splendor, valley, rock or hill ; 

Ne'er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep ! 
The river giideth at his own sweet will. 

Dear God ! the very houses seem asleep ; 
And all that mighty heart is lying still." 

EX PL A X ATOK V REMAR KS. 

While relating these " Reminiscences," I 
do not intend to assert or insinuate that I 
have l>een a great hero myself through all 
the plagues that visited the unfortunate city 
of Memphis. Those who deserve this dis- 
tinction are supposed to have performed (what 
I never did) some extraordinary feats or val- 
orous deeds. It appears to me almost impos- 
sible that a clergyman, bound to do what 
christian charity and the solemn duties of 
his office obliged, could deserve the title of 
hero at all. These remarks do not refer to 
those clergymen who volunteered their ser- 
vices, or who, being away, came to Memphis 
and dared the danger, in their zeal to save or 
assist the people. What enhances heroism, is 
the tact of its spontaneity and the absence of 
censure or disgrace in its non-performance. I 
must grant that a layman or cleric who risks 



26 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

his life for his fellow-man through pure mo- 
tives of charity or philanthropy, may be re- 
puted a hero, while the merits of the act would 
be common-place, were either forced by the 
requirements of duty. 

By these remarks, I do not wish to belittle 
or depreciate the actions of those clergymen 
who had greater zeal and physical energy than 
I could display. If, in '73, circumstances 
obliged me to perform duties that were more 
than average, in '78 and '79, other Priests had 
to "bear the burden of the day and the heat." 
During these two years, I was not called upon 
to overtask m} T energies or risk my life like 
some of my brother clergymen. I happened 
then to have charge of " missions " in the 
country. Although I chose Memphis my 
place of residence (it being the most cen- 
tral), I had to attend missions more than two 
hundred miles distant, and scattered through 
four States — Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi 
and southern Missouri. In the two latter 
States, I attended only those missions that 
bordered on Tennessee or Arkansas. 

During the prevalence of Yellow Fever in 
Memphis, quarantine regulations were so 
stringent that I found it in several instances 
impossible to attend to the spiritual wants of 
the people under my charge. No Priest or 
layman leaving an infected district (in fact, 



EXPLANATORY REMARKS. 27 

leaving any district) could enter another town 
or locality, unless he had a Doctor's or Board- 
of-Health certificate. All these precautions, 
however, did not prevent the Fever spread- 
ing through the country and rural villages. 
Some of the little towns and settlements in 
my charge were almost decimated. After at- 
tending a few stricken families in Paris, 
Tenn., (200 miles from Memphis) for several 
days I was regarded as an object of terror to 
Catholics as well as Protestants. After leav- 
ing Memphis and going to Covington, and 
afterwards to Brownsville, my presence in 
both places almost created a panic. Being 
heartily tired of this sort of isolation, I wrote 
to Rev. Martin Walsh (two days before he 
died), requesting him to let me take his 
place. Father William Walsh, his successor, 
took charge of this letter, which the person 
addressed never read. This letter, according 
to Rev. William Walsh, who returned it to 
me after the Fever, arrived too late, the Priest 
being too weak to read or act upon its con- 
tents. 

Having received no reply from Memphis, I 
wrote to Bishop Feehan (from Clarksville), 
explaining to him my position, and express- 
ing an unconditional willingness to go to 
Memphis or elsewhere at his direction. He 
answered by telegram, requiring me to go 



28 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

to Nashville immediately. I remained there 
over three weeks, when I started for Mem- 
phis. At this time, although the death-roll 
had considerably abated, the Fever had by 
no means subsided. After my return to Mem- 
phis, and for several weeks after the city with- 
drew quarantine precautions, I visited several 
families stricken with Fever. My predica- 
ment in '79, on account of the repetition of 
quarantine strictures, was not more encour- 
aging. The act of a Priest attending one 
Yellow Fever patient was generally bruited 
for miles throughout the neighborhood. See- 
ing Catholics and Protestants equally afraid, 
a Priest felt loath to encroach where his ab- 
sence was more desirable. Under feelings of 
such mortification, I addressed the Bishop, 
stating a preference to go to 'Memphis. The 
following is a copy of his reply : 

Nashville, 24th July, 1879. 
Dear Father Quinn : — I have just received your letter tell- 
ing me of your readiness to go to any " post " of danger So far, 
all the Priests are well in Memphis, and you must not expose 
yourself unnecessarily. If a necessity arise, I will let you know. 
You had better stay in Clarksville for the present, or we would 
be glad to see you in Nashville. 

Very faithfully yours, 

P. A. FEE HAN, Bp. 

After mentioning these facts, further detail 
is uncalled for. And, as I disclaim all pre- 
tensions to individual heroism, I trust the 



EXPLANATORY REMARKS. 29 

clergy and laity of Memphis will not dispute 
the only credit I wish to claim — that, whether 
in the city or the country, in common with 
the other Priests of the diocese, I did my duty 
to the best of my ability, and never deserted 
my post. 

When the Fever of '78 broke out, I was 
taking a month's vacation in St. Louis with 
the Rev. Father Henry, of that city. I could, 
without risk of censure, remain away that 
entire summer, as quarantine regulations 
made it impossible for me to visit my mis- 
sions ; yet I preferred to return to Tennessee 
and outwit the vigilance of pickets and sani- 
tary police, in order to render all the service 
I could to the suffering people. I never 
avoided or evaded a case of Yellow Fever, 
cholera, or small-pox, the breadth of a com- 
mon sidewalk. I mention this not to " blow 
my own horn," but to state an indisputable 
fact. At all events, no one can say that, like 
some professional gentlemen, I ran away to 
play "ring taw" or " blind man's buff" dur- 
ing the epidemics. In this adherence to the 
place of duty, I feel honored to have belonged 
to that noble band of clergy who, while thou- 
sands fled to save their Hves, remained with 
the few paupers and penniless patients who 
were unable to escape. All through the Fever 
of '78 the stroke of the executioner's axe or 



30 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

clasp of the guillotine did not appear more 
certain or fatal than exposure to one case of 
Fever. Not an individual Priest sent to Mem- 
phis during any of its Fevers escaped death. 
They were mostly all young, strong men, in 
the prime of life : men who, being religiously, 
physically, and intellectually my superiors, 
sad to think, were stricken down, while de- 
bilitated invalids were left to survive ! Ex- 
cept myself and two others, there is no Priest 
living now who had witnessed the Fever of 
'73; while Fathers William Walsh, A. Lu- 
iselli, and Aloysius, 0. S. F., are the only sur- 
vivors of '78 and '79. 

REV. WILLIAM WALSH. 

During the Fever of '78, the Rev. William 
Walsh, at present Rector of St. Bridget's 
church, Memphis, was most conspicuous in 
his appeals to the " Temperance Unions" and 
the country at large, soliciting aid towards the 
Yellow Fever sufferers. Although the Rev. 
gentleman did not seek printed notoriety, his 
position as President of the State Union, and 
chairman of the local Memphis lodge, made 
his name, or rather his fame, very remarka- 
ble. With all due deference to this gentle- 
man's humility, 1 must, in justice, say that 
he did most efficient work during the two 
latter plagues that afflicted Memphis. Al- 



REV. WILLIAM WALSH. 31 

though from the peaceful town of Callan, 
county Kilkenny, he assumed martial airs and 
energy during these dreadful times. There 
were Generals, Captains,- Colonels garrisoned 
at Camp Williams, who did not then, nor even 
in their best days, a fraction of the chivalrous 
work of Rev. Mr., or, as he showed the tactics, 
Rev. General Walsh, of Camp Mathew. 

" Dream not helm and harness 
The sign of valor true ; 
Peace hath higher tests of manhood 
Than hattle ever knew." 

— The Hero, by Whittle r. 

The notion of erecting a camp (something 
unknown to a majority of Priests), writing to 
the Secretary of War for tents, rations, army 
blankets, and biscuits, etc. ; appealing to the 
Hierarchy, " Temperance Unions," and laity 
of America, I might say on his own respon- 
sibility, is entirely due to the zeal and fertile 
brain of Rev. W. Walsh. There may be some 
citizens who refuse to give credit to Father 
Walsh for all he did. Indeed, if there should 
be any such, they are ungrateful. I make 
bold to state there was not an Irishman in 
Memphis, at the time, possessed anything like 
his superior tact or diplomacy. 

Although Camp Williams was almost en- 
tirely under Government patronage, its disci- 
pline and morale could stand no comparison 



32 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

with Camp Father Mat hew. Even some of 
the pastors considered Father Walsh's notion 
of erecting a camp premature, if not Quixotic. 
In spite of all opposition, he carried out his 
scheme. And it is a superlative recommen- 
dation when I say he succeeded. He was 
here, there and everywhere, among the suf- 
ferers of '78 and '79. By his appeals to the 
tk Temperance Unions " and Priesthood of 
America, he realized almost forty thousand 
dollars. He impartially divided this among 
the poor Catholics and Protestants, black and 
white. When the Fever was over, I remem- 
ber being with him myself, distributing bags 
of silver. In less than two weeks we must 
have disbursed some eight thousand dollars 
to widows, orphans, and others who had suf- 
fered from the Fever. As in all similar cases, 
some were dissatisfied. But this was owing 
to the grudge of their own hearts, rather than 
the lack of generosity on the part of Father 
Walsh. 

This young Priest, while visiting his aged 
parents in Ireland, in '79, hearing of the re- 
appearance of the Yellow Fever in Memphis, 
after taking a hurried farewell of parents, 
brothers and sisters, embarked on the first 
ocean steamer bound for New York ; and, 
having landed, took the first train for Mem- 
phis. As no trains were allowed into the 



REV. WILLIAM WALSH. 33 

city, I well remember the morning he char- 
tered a locomotive to bring him from Grand 
Junction to Memphis, a distance of 5*2 miles. 
This young clergyman, having a leave of ab- 
sence, was not bound to leave home and re- 
turn to Memphis. He had acted well — bravely 
the year previous. He would incur no cen- 
sure had he remained away during that sum- 
mer. It is all well for a Priest to attend to 
his people while he is in their midst, but 
having gotten a prolonged leave of absence 
to recuperate his health, and being three thou- 
sand miles away, he could hardly be expected 
to rush into the open jaws of death. Father 
Walsh did this act of refined Christian Char- 
ity; if not veritable heroism. 

In this panegyric, apparently biased in fa- 
vor of Father Walsh, I have, by no means, 
forgotten two other remarkable Memphis 
Priests. One of these, Father Kelly, has 
been recently called to receive what the good 
Catholics of Memphis would gladly bestow 
upon him — an imperishable crown. The 
other clergyman, to whom I shall refer later 
on, is the Rev. Father Aloysius Weiver, 0. S. 
F., Superior of the Franciscan Convent in 
Memphis. 



34 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

VERY REV. J. A. KELLY, O. P. 

Joseph A. Kelly was born in the city of 
Dublin, and baptized in St. Michael's church 
of that city, in the year 1827. In his youth 
he was left without a mother. In company 
with his little sisters, he was brought to this 
country by his father, whose remains now 
repose at St. Rose, Ky. He was educated at 
St. Mary's, Bardstown, Ky. ; completed his 
novitiate at St. Rose Convent, where he took 
his religious vows and became a professed 
member of the Order of Friar Preachers in 
the year 1850. He was ordained Priest by 
the late Archbishop Purcell. Ever since, he 
filled almost every office of trust and honor 
which the great Order of St. Dominic could 
confer. Before the arrival of Bishop Feehan, 
he was Administrator of the diocese of Nash- 
ville, subsequently pastor of St. Peter's church, 
Memphis, and once Provincial of the entire 
Dominican Order in this country. 

This Priest was brought almost to the point 
of death by an attack of Yellow Fever in '73 ; 
he fought his way through all the plagues 
that invaded Memphis. In the darkest days 
of the Fever, it was always refreshing to meet 
Father Kelly. He was the soul of charity in 
word and act. He was never heard speak 
harshly of a neighbor, whilst he invariably 
defended the absent, even when they were 



FATHER ALOYSIUS WEIVER. 35 

avowedly hostile to himself or the church. 

Being corpulent, and rather advanced in 
years, it was pitiful to see this heavy-gaited 
old man, sometimes during the darkest hours 
of night, climbing from cellar to attic, or 
making his way through lanes and alleys, 
sweltering from heat and fatigue. Although 
a man of profound knowledge and solid piety, 
he was most unassuming and ever cheerful. 
While other Priests recounted their ghastly 
day's work with a certain air of proud ani- 
mation, Father Kelly would either smile or 
change the subject. Although this old Priest 
had himself witnessed most heart-rending, if 
not thrilling, scenes, yet he was too manly to 
mention or refer to them. Like another Elea- 
zor, who refused to eat flesh which was law- 
ful, but likely to cause suspicion, Father Kelly 
could not be induced to speak a light word 
or do a weak act. He died Aug. 7, 1885.* 

May the many virtues he planted on earth 
bear fruit for him in Heaven ; may the inter- 
cession of the countless orphans, to whom he 
was always a kind and indulgent father, ob- 
tain for him mercy, rest and peace. 

FATHER ALOYSIUS W FIVER, O. S. F. 

Although personally acquainted with this 
Rev. gentleman for more than eight years, I 

*His remains are buried beneath St. Peter's Church altar, Memphis. 



36 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

regret my inability to furnish detailed facts 
of his life before he came to Memphis. 

He was born in Germany, and was brought 
to this country while yet a mere child. He 
joined the "Order" of St. Francis, and re- 
ceived "Holy Orders" at the novitiate house 
in Joliet, Illinois, from which place he came 
to Memphis in 1873. At this time he did not 
appear more than twenty-four years of age. 

He contracted a malignant type of Yellow 
Fever in '73, and was despaired of by Doctors 
and fellow-assistants. However, as soon as 
he was able to walk, he was seen again on the 
streets. He appeared like a gaunt spectre in 
the distance. His coarse habit, white cinc- 
ture, and long beads, indicated what he really 
was, a Veritable hermit. 

At present I cannot say whether this good 
Father is living or dead. But this I can pos- 
itively assert, he was a fearless man of God ; 
and a true representative of St. Francis the 
founder of his "Order." Even when the 
Priests themselves took sick, it was Father 
Aloysius that was generally called to give 
them the last Sacraments. 

As it has been said of the present Pope, 
Leo XIII, that no one ever regarded his 
countenance that did not associate him with 
the Saints in Heaven, so a glance at the pale 
repose of this Priest's lengthy features inva- 



FATHER ALOYSIUS WEIVER. 37 

riably convinced he was a living Saint. He 
simply knew nothing of the wiles and wicked 
ways of the world. His every word and act 
seemed to have immediate reference to the 
"business of his Eternal Father." 

During the plagues of Memphis some Priests 
were especially mentioned, both in print and 
verbal report, as having attended large num- 
bers of sick and dying, in fact, two or three 
were signalized as unique Heroes. 

Having no desire to impugn the well-earned 
deserts of other clergymen who died or lived 
during this awful time, I make bold to state 
that Father Aloysius, in his own silent way, 
did more priestly work than any other cler- 
gyman of the diocese, living or dead. I feel 
that many will consider this assertion gratu- 
itous. I have only to say that my experience 
and many years' residence in the same city 
force me to acknowledge this fact. If this 
Priest's name was seldom or never noticed in 
the papers, and no grand present or grateful 
testimonials offered to him, the fact only 
shows how blind the public eye can some- 
times be, when there is a question of real 
merit. 

Two or three Priests, (amongst whom was 
myself,) after the Fever, received magnificent 
gold watches, as testimonials for zeal or what 
the people called heroism. With all respect 



38 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

to those honored Priests, and strict honesty 
to myself, I feel constrained to avow that nei- 
ther one of ns had to encounter the hardships 
and exposure of this Priest. On his almost 
naked sandalled feet, he had to walk from 
house to house under the burning heat of the 
sun; his church being the most central, was 
most frequently visited ; while he, himself, 
never left the city. Moreover the demeanor 
of this man gave the applicant to understand 
that besides a duty, it afforded him pleasure 
to attend a sick call. 

This young Father was an acknowledged 
favorite. I remember once seeing him enter 
a crowded street car. A Protestant lady po- 
litely offered him the seat she occupied. On 
his refusal, as if by a united impulse, every 
lady and gentleman (most of them Protest- 
ants) stood up, and declared they would not 
resume their places until he would take the 
seat proffered him by the lady. A more 
saintly or resolute man I sincerely believe, 
never crossed the Ocean or left the German 
Fatherland. 

With this exception, it would be hard to 
single out an individual Priest of Memphis, 
who outstripped his fellows in the exercise of 
zeal and christian charity. The Priests who 
died, as well as those who lived through the 
plagues did noble work, which has been re- 



FATHER P. O'BRIEN. 39 

corded by a more remunerative pen than 
mine, and which, I trust the Father of Mer- 
cies will, hereafter, amply compensate. 

FATHER P. O'BRIEN. 

(Bornin the Parish of Cahercomlish, Co. Limerick, Ireland.) 

The following account, taken from a Chi- 
cago Journal, m of the life and labors of this 
clergyman is so concise and appropriate, I 
presume the reader would have it in prefer- 
erence to anything I could furnish myself: 

REV. PATRICK O'BRIEN, LATE OF TENNESSEE, AND NOW THE 
PASTOR OF LAKE VIEW, CHICAGO. 

The growth of the Church in Chicago keeps pace with the 
wonderfully increasing population, which now numbers some 
750,000, and promises to double that number within the next 
quarter or half a century. Nearly half this great population is 
Catholic. There are two hundred and forty priests on duty in 
the Archdiocese, ministering in some two hundred churches and 
religious homes. New parishes are being rapidly organized and 
churches and schools constructed. Amongst the districts being 
organized is Lake View. The archbishop has around him faith- 
ful and zealous priests, ready, at his bidding, to labor for the 
good of souls and the welfare of the Church, in any manner he 
may suggest Amongst them is the priest just appointed to or- 
ganize the new parish at Lake View. We mention him because 
he has been identified with arduous missionary labor in Tennes- 
see, from where, with a constitution shattered in the work of the 
ministry, he removed, two years ago, to Chicago, after having 
been adopted by the Most Rev. Archbishop. It was with reluc- 
tance that the bishop of Nashville consented to give Father 
O'Brien the necessary exeat to enable him to be affiliated with the 
Archdiocese of Chicago. The poor condition of his health made 
a change of climate necessary, and his Tennessee former congre- 
gations and numerous friends will be rejoiced to know that he is 



40 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

now fully recuperated, and that, after acting for the past two 
years as assistant priest in the Immaculate Conception Church of 
Chicago, he is appointed by the Archbishop to organize the new 
parish of Lake View In a few weeks the erection of the church 
will be commenced. In this the fine executive ability of Father 
O'Brien will be developed, and the Catholics of Lake View will 
find that the humble and unassuming pastor possesses abilities 
and stable qualities, whose merits will be increased with years. 
During the seven years of missionary career in this diocese, 
Father O'Brien endured severe hardships, not ordinarily con- 
nected with missionary labor. How admirably he bore himself 
amid most trying circumstances, will not soon be forgotten here. 
In 1878 he was in charge of the missions attached to Jackson, 
Tenn. On these missions every variety of missionary labor was 
represented, coupled with the hardships and privations familiar 
only to the pioneer missiouers, who have traveled with their 
saddle-bags through the country. In the middle of August- 
1878, he was allowed a vacation, which he did not enjoy. The 
cry of the Yellow Fever Plague brought him back to his scat- 
tered flocks, now increased by refugees from Memphis. There 
was scarcely a village in Tennessee, within one hundred miles of 
Memphis, but was, in a few short weeks, afflicted with the dread- 
ful Yellow Fever Plague. While the eyes of the world were 
turned toward Memphis, in those days of harrowing memories, 
the terrible scenes and sufferings of many of the surrounding 
villages and country districts rilled with refugees, were lost sight 
of The organized relief committees, and ample accommoda- 
tions, surrounded with every luxury, dispelled, in a great manner, 
the terrors of the plague in Memphis. In life and death, every- 
where their services were needed, the priests were together in 
ministering one to another in Memphis It was otherwise on the 
missions, where, unnoticed by the outside world, Father O'Brien's 
frail and delicate constitution was brought in contact with the 
worst features of the awful plague. The shot-gun quarantine 
was then the order of the day, and it was enforced even against 
the priest When all the Catholics, and others accepting his 
ministry, had been prepared for death at Grand Junction, Father 
O'Brien found himself quarantined, deprived of the necessaries 
of life, and confined in the houses in which he was ministering 
to the sick and dying. Having succeeded in boarding a passing 
train, he endeavored to get back to Jackson, but the train would 
not be allowed to stop there, and it had to dash through at the 



FATHER P. O'BRIEN. 41 

rate of thirty miles an hour, or its occupants accept the compli- 
ments of a shot-gun or rifle salute. For about twenty-four hours 
the good, devoted priest sought, in vain, somewhere to rest in 
Tennessee, and he at last found it in generous, hospitable and 
brave Clarksville, that did not close her gates against the refugees, 
and yet escaped the plague. He did not get much rest The 
cry came from Brownsville, and thither hurried Father O'Brien. 
There were about eighty Catholics residing in Brownsville and 
vicinity, and the number was increased by refugees from Mem- 
phis. The plague made desperate havoc among them, and the 
whole town was well decimated in a few weeks. During the 
time Father O'Brien remained ministering to the sick, and even 
helping to bury the dead, the hard floor of the little church — 
since blown down— being his bed at night. How he must have 
suffered during those terrible days and long, weary, dreamy 
nights, with the thought of dying without a priest to administer 
to himself the last sacraments, can well be imagined, especially 
by those who are in any way acquainted with the character, 
hopes and aspirations of a young priest, who, filled with relig- 
ious zeal, has left home and kindred to become a soldier of the 
cross in foreign lands ! God spared Father O'Brien for another, 
-tind even in some respects a greater trial. Three years later, 
whilst pastor at Jackson, a brother priest of the diocese, the late 
Rev. John F. Walsh, was stricken down with the small-pox. He 
had contracted it whilst ministering to a patient in Memphis, but 
unaware of that fact, was on a visit to Father O'Brien. When 
it became known that the case was one of small-pox, a rigid quar- 
antine against the house was enforced Guards were placed at a 
convenient distance around it, and no one, not even the physician, 
was allowed to enter. The medical prescriptions and othernec- 
essaries were flung toward the front door, and picked up by 
Father O'Brien or the good old lady who was acting as his house- 
keeper. Thus confined, the devoted priest had to become physi- 
cian, nurse, and everything else until his dear companion, to 
whom he was bound with fond affection as well as religious duty, 
breathed his last. One family especially— that of Captain Mc- 
Mullen, brother of the late Bishop McMullen — braved quarantine 
regulations and visited at the bed of the dying priest, as did also 
the Dominican Sisters. The undertaker sent a casket and screw- 
driver, which he never since claimed, and Father O'Brien had 
now to act as undertaker. Captain McMullen and Mr. Cunning- 
ham assisting in digging the grave, escaping to and from the cem- 



42 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

etery amid the shades of night and the down-pouring rain torrents, 
the mad rigors of quarantine, which was to be continued for 
fourteen days after the death of Father Walsh During the 
years of his ministry in Jackson Father O'Brien did a great deal 
for the future of the Catholic Church. He completed the chinch, 
introduced Sisters, and established a school, and also purchased 
and paid for a cemetery. He was beloved by Catholic and Prot- 
estant alike. His quiet, calm, far- seeing methods and policy are 
the admiration of every one who came in contact with him. The 
Catholics of Lake View will find in him a priest and a man who 
will be devoted to their wants and faithful in everything. His 
old friends in Tennessee regret that he has left them, but rejoice 
that his health is recruited, and congratulate him on his new ap- 
pointment to the charge of Lake View, whose good people will, 
we hope, rally around him and enable him to erect, before many 
months, a church, a school, and a residence. Ad multos anros! 

I now request the reader to accompany me 
while I describe the mode of attack, develop- 
ment, and destructive agency of this redoubt- 
able plague. 

THE FEVER OF '73, AND WHERE IT WAS SUP- 
POSED TO HAVE GERMINATED. 

The winter of the year 1873 began with a 
virulent outbreak of small-pox, while during 
the summer months, June and July, a malig- 
nant type of Asiatic cholera made its appear- 
ance. But the advent of these epidemics was 
only the prelude to the ravages the Yellow 
Fever was soon destined to make. 

Although it appears a paradox, yet it is 
really true this plague, for the time, drives 
away, or rather becomes king of all other 
diseases. Victims of consumption and heart 



THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-THREE. 43 

disease become perfectly yellow after death. 
I remember attending a man who fell off a 
house and who died soon after from the ef- 
fects. His corpse would indicate he died of 
Yellow Fever. I believe were a man sud- 
denly stabbed, his body would turn yellow 
after death during its prevalence. 

The Fever Plague of '73 lasted during the 
months of September, October, and only 
ended about the 20th of November. During 
these three months, some sixteen hundred 
people, of whom at least one thousand were 
Catholics, fell victims. Almost every case 
that occurred during the first month proved 
fatal. The disease lasted generally from two 
to four days. The third was usually the dark 
or dreaded day. Making allowance for a mod- 
erate aperient, in all cases, the less medicine, 
the better hope for the patient. Patients who 
had the attention of five, and sometimes ten 
physicians, invariably died ; while a plurality 
of those who had no medical aid, and who 
were often bereft the common comforts of 
life, survived. I remember an old Irish- 
woman by the name of Cody, residing in 
Second street, being stricken down with the 
Fever. She was the only soul in the large 
tenement where she lay. When I called she 
had not seen a living person, black or white, 
for some twentv-four hours. I had to draw 



44 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

her a bucket of fresh water every morning, 
before I went to a neighboring grocery for 
some lemons and crackers. The poor woman 
had to reach from her bed to an adjacent 
stove in order to cook what little she could 
eat. She lay sick in this manner for some 
two weeks, and, strange, this old lady recov- 
ered. Nursing, medicine and nutriment were 
to this poor woman negative luxuries. The 
world seemed to have left her no positive pos- 
sessions, save old age, the Irish language, and 
a good conscience, — the latter a "salve" that 
proved more effectual than all the therapeutic 
theories of Wood or Smith. I believe it was 
Cicero who said, " Animi cidtus quasi quidam 
humanita tis cibus. ' ' 

Sanguineous or corpulent persons, when at- 
tacked, had far less chances of recovery than 
€old-blooded invalids, infants, or old people. 
A vast majority of those who succumbed were 
the chief support (the bone and sinew) of 
their respective families. After the Fever, 
enfeebled, decrepit old men and shrivelled 
old women (to whom death would be a relief) 
might be seen sitting on their door-steps, or 
with drooping heads, wending their way to 
the church. You would almost be inclined 
to smile at the mockery of death taking the 
father or husband, and leaving a weak, thrift- 
less widow with five, six and sometimes eight 



THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-THREE. 45 

children to battle with the cold world ; in 
other eases, the son, who might have been 
engineer or conductor on the railroad, or clerk 
in some respectable firm, giving, every Satur- 
day evening, his week's wages to the support 
of his wife, aged father and mother, was al- 
most sure to take the Fever and die, while 
the}- were left to starve, or worse than starve, 
outlive their fortunes. The poor people who 
ran away from the Fever were made still 
poorer, being obliged to support themselves 
for three months in a strange place, where 
they could earn nothing and had to buy 
everything; whilst those who took the dis- 
ease at home, or were unable to get away, had 
to waste their hoarded savings for food, fuel, 
nurses, medicines, etc. 

The nurses received from Hve to ten dollars 
a day, and some of these were of questionable 
repute. Several Irish families assured me* 
they were robbed of everything during their 
sickness. Indeed, from the reckless behavior 
of some, it appeared providential that more 
depreciations than were reported did not oc- 
cur. Even the negroes did not care to exp< >se 
their lives by nursing, while they could obtain 
provisions without hardship or danger. I re- 
call the case of a negro who refused five and 
asked ten dollars to catch hold of a coffin 
handle with the undertaker and another man 



46 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

who had but one hand. The coffin contained 
the remains of a Miss Nolan, who died at her 
residence, corner of Alabama and Commerce 
streets. 

Another pitiable instance of poverty and 
lack of friends occurred rear of John Holly- 
wood's grocery on Hill street. It was a case 
where a husband had to leave his sick bed to 
help the undertaker to put his wife's coffin in 
the hearse. The poor man fell twice in his 
efforts to render assistance. This man was 
not a Catholic. 

Where did the Fever of 73 first germinate? 
Some eight hundred yards from the steamboat 
landing was a wretched marsh, designated by 
the euphonic title of " Happy Hollow/' With 
the exception of some three or four white 
families, it was mostly inhabited by a colony 
of negroes, whose reputation for cleanliness 
and sobriety was by no means enviable. A 
family of immigrants from Shreveport, La., 
(a city then infected with Fever) was said to 
have landed here, where they brought the 
Fever, and soon died. Whether the Fever 
did spread from this locality and cause, is at 
best but a surmise, which has never been sat- 
isfactorily solved. At all events, "Happy 
Hollow " did in '73, and does to this day. enjoy 
the reputation of being the garden spot, where 
the "spores" or "sporadic germs" flourished 



CHURCHES, ETC., OF MEMPHIS. 47 

and spread throughout the principal parts of 
the city. Although decimated in 1878, there 
was not a single case of Fever amongst the 
negroes of Memphis in '73. Notwithstanding 
that about one-third of the population of 
Memphis belong to the colored race, still, to 
their credit, it must be said* they refrained 
from plunder and other depredations that 
would prove ruinous to so many, and could 
not be resisted by the then inefficient City 
authorities. A few threats were made, per- 
haps rather jocular than earnest, that the 
colored " Folk," being Fever-proof, would 
soon take possession of the city. In general ,. 
those people conducted themselves tolerably 
well, considering the many opportunities to 
the contrary that offered. For many per- 
sons the panic proved a great boon, having 
good wages, very little to do, and the best 
board, without any cost to them. 

CHURCHES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OF 
MEMPHIS. 

At the outbreak of Fever in '73, there were 
in Memphis four Catholic churches, viz.: St. 
Patrick's, of which Very Rev. M. Riordan 
was Pastor, and Fathers P. McNamara and 
A. Luiselli, assistants; St. Peter's (Domini- 
can), the Pastor being Very Rev. J. A. Kelly, 
and Revs. Gary, O'Brien and Daly, assistants ; 



48 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

St. Bridget's, of which Rev. M. Walsh was 
Pastor, and Rev. I). A. Quinn, assistant; the 
Franciscan Monastery ; Pastor, Lucius Buck- 
hoist : assistant, Father Alovsius Weiver. 
Each church had a parish school (averaging 
about 400 scholars each) attached. 

Besides an Orphan asylum (averaging 200 
inmates ), the Sisters of St. Dominic had 
charge of two select academies — St. Agnes 
and La Salette. Its spacious grounds, choice 
location and corps of excellent teachers con- 
tribute to render St. Agnes the leading insti- 
tution of its kind in the Southern States. 
This seminary has sent out graduates to al- 
most every State in the Union ; while some 
of the first ladies of the South (Catholic and 
Protestant) revere St. Agnes as their beloved 
Alma Mater. 

In addition to the two already mentioned, 
there was a third select academy for young- 
ladies in Memphis at the commencement of 
the year '73. I refer to that excellent and 
exceedingly popular institution conducted by 
the Sisters of St. Joseph. As I shall have 
occasion to speak of this Sisterhood later on, 
I need only say that, should any of the Sis- 
ters who formed the " faculty " in '73 revisit 
Memphis, they would learn to their satisfac- 
tion that neither they, nor the good lessons 
they imparted, were forgotten by the children 



CHURCHES, ETC., OP MEMPHIS. 49 

and young ladies of Memphis. Even to this 
day the mention of Mother Leone, and Sisters 
Immaculate, Antoinette, Irene, De Sales and 
( darissa, I do not hesitate to say, would glad- 
den the hearts and brighten the countenances 
of the young Misses whom they educated, edi- 
fied and refined. I know it will revive fond 
memories in the hearts of their former pupils 
at St. Patrick's, when I assure them that their 
former teachers have not yet forgotten their 
little pupils, and still refer to Memphis as 
the "Dearest place on earth." 

I beg leave, in proof of this assumption to 
insert the last three lines of a St. Joseph Sis- 
ter's letter to me : 

December, 1886. 
"I like Chicago, but, Oh ! not one fourth as well as dear old 
Memphis. The mere allusion steals a sorrow o'er me.'' 

When we take into account that Chicago 
with her half million inhabitants almost 
frowns at the little shadow of Memphis, and 
that eight years have elapsed since those good 
Sisters left the city, the insertion is highly 
complimentary. 

Catholicity in Memphis in '73, and to the 
present day, could also boast of another pub- 
lic institute for males. I refer to the Chris- 
tian Brother College under the conduct and 
management of Brother Maurellian, a young 
religious of marked ability, who, with his 



50 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

courageous band of Brothers, did incalculable 
service to the Yellow Fever sufferers of '73, 
'78, and '79. At present, their college in 
Memphis is unquestionably the first institu- 
tion for educational purposes between St. 
Louis and New Orleans — perhaps few in the 
country can equal it. As classical and prac- 
tical teachers, the Christian Brothers are no 
longer second, but equal, if not superior to 
the Jesuits. At the Paris exhibition, and at 
all the great public exhibitions held through- 
out Europe and this country, the first prizes 
have been frequently awarded to the evident 
proofs of their skill and industry. 

In mentioning the Pastors of Memphis, in 
'73, I unwittingly failed to name first of all 
the Bishop of the diocese, Right Rev. P. A. 
Feehan, now Archbishop of Chicago. To his 
mature judgment and prudent forethought, 
may be ascribed the edifying zeal and good 
order that distinguished his clergy during 
this trying ordeal. 

MOST REV. P. A. FEEHAN. 

This distinguished Prelate was born near 
Thurles, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, Aug. 28, 1829. 
Having completed his theological course in 
Maynooth College, Co. Dublin, where he at- 
tained the highest honors of the institution, 
by direction of Most Rev. Peter Richard, 



MOST REV. P. A. FEEHAN. 51 

Archbishop of St. Louis, to which archdio- 
cese he had been affiliated, was promoted to 
Sub-Deaconship while still in Maynooth. 
Soon after, he embarked for America, direct- 
ing his course to St. Louis, where he was im- 
mediately ordained Priest, Nov. 7th, 1852. 

After a pastorate of several years in one of 
the largest churches of St. Louis, he was ap- 
pointed to the vacant See of Nashville, Nov. 
1, 1865, He remained Bishop of Nashville 
fifteen years, when, Sept. 10, 1880, he was 
promoted to the Archiepiscopate of Chicago. 
At his departure from Nashville, there were 
in the diocese thirty churches, eleven relig- 
ious, and fourteen secular Priests. At present 
his jurisdiction extends over 198 churches, 192 
secular, and 78 Priests of religious Orders. 
In the city of Chicago there are more than 
sixty Catholic churches, and the Catholic 
population of the Archdiocese, is estimated 
at 450,000. 

The following graphic synopsis of the Arch- 
bishop's life recently appeared in one of the 
Chicago daily papers : 

" A Prelate of the greatest simplicity of character, Archbishop 
Feehan is one of the strongest minded men in the Catholic church 
of America. He never transacts his business in the newspapers ; 
he never engages in rash controversy. Every priest in his charge 
has discovered the strength, the kindness, the staunchness, the 
justice and loyalty of the Archbishop They and their people 
know that he can neither be wheedled nor driven from the course 
his good sense and judgment elect on any question." 



/' 



52 ' HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

Although it may appear presumptuous of 
me to dilate on the qualities of one who is 
revered throughout Europe and America, still, 
as I have lived under his fatherly jurisdiction 
for more than nine years, I cannot in justice 
to my subject, overlook the ennobling virtues 
that adorn his life. His undisturbed patience, 
uncompromising firmness, and his sweetness 
and gentleness in commanding, have deserv- 
edly won for him the title of "Captain of the 
Memphis Martyrs." 

The fearful calamities that threatened the 
very existence of his diocese, called into ac- 
tion the highest qualities of governor and 
spiritual guide. Circumstances placed life 
and death in his hands. Had he succumbed 
to the Fever, it is more than probable, (it may 
be regarded a moral certainty,) there would 
not be a Priest living to-day to relate the sad 
tale of Memphis' woes. It is a terrible re- 
sponsibility to have to order any man to cer- 
tain and speedy death. Even the stern judge 
falters in his speech, as he pronounces the last 
sentence of the law on a guilty culprit, If this 
good Bishop, instead of the warm, tender nat- 
ure which God bestowed him, had a heart of 
adamant, he could not help being moved in 
this fateful discharge of duty. In his unflinch- 
ing charity towards the Catholic laity of Mem- 
phis, he had to bury in his soul the sweetest 



MOST REV. P. A. FEEHAN. 53 

names known to man — " friendship," " patri- 
otism/' " kinship," and "old school-compan- 
ionship." It was Syrus who said, " Amicum 
perdere est damnorum maximum" "To lose a 
friend is the greatest of all losses." In this 
narrow crisis of words I abjure the insinua- 
tion that the Bishop was cold or stern in 
sending his friends and countrymen to take 
charge of parishes which death seemed to 
take delight in vacating. The dignity of his 
position, and the absolute wants of his dying 
flock, precluded any display of sympathy. 
"Servare cives, major est virtus patriae patri." 
"To save the people is the greatest virtue in 
the Father of his country." If one, two, or 
a notable number of Catholics died in want 
of a Priest, the world would soon hear of it 
under the heading of "Cowardice" — a hu- 
miliating aspersion at any time, but a scan- 
dal in time of Fever. 

I shall never forget that eventful morning 
when Archbishop P. A. Feehan came out on 
St. Bridget's altar (Memphis) to preach the 
funeral oration of twelve of his Priests who 
had just died during the Autumn of '78. 
Perhaps a similar event has not occurred 
within the last century in Europe or Ameri- 
ca. During the cholera that decimated Nash- 
ville, in '73, and all the plagues that visited 
Memphis, Archbishop Feehan never deserted 



54 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

his post. But knowing the heartfelt uneasi- 
ness any public reference to himself is sure 
to cause, [ shall forbear to make further men- 
tion of his life for the present. 

CONDITION OF MEMPHIS AFTER THE FEVER 

of 73. 

As already stated, the number of those who 
died throughout the various parts of the city, 
during the Autumn months of '73, might be 
estimated about sixteen hundred. The Pas- 
tor of St. Bridget's Church, Rev. M. Walsh. 
had a tfc framed " list hung up in his church, 
giving the names of eight hundred of his pa- 
rishioners who died in less than three months. 
Almost as many more, whose names could 
not be procured, also died in this parish. ( Mi 
the first Sunday after the Fever was pro- 
nounced no longer epidemic, the people who 
flocked to hear mass at St. Bridget's church 
presented a sorry spectacle. It was noticed 
the following morning in the daily papers, 
that there was not a man, woman or child in 
the church that was not dressed in mourning. 

During the Autumn of this never-to-be-for- 
gotten year, Memphis lost some of its best 
and most respected citizens. Besides sonic 
twenty nuns (amongst whom was the Mother 
Superioress of the Franciscan Convent), five 
Priests — Fathers O'Brien, Carv, Daily and 



REV. D. O'BRIEN, O. P. 55 

Sheehy, of the Order of St. Dominic, and 
Father Leo, a German, of the Franciscan < >r- 
der, — fell victims. It appeared providential 
that no secular Priest of the diocese (although 
equally exposed) contracted or died of Fever 
this year. 

EEV. D. O'BRIEN, O. P. 

{Died OH 9, '73— Aged #8 ) 

At the time of his last illness. Father 
O'Brien was Procurator of the Dominican 
Convent on Adam street. His priestly en- 
ergy and unswerving zeal deservedly won for 
him the esteem and affection of the citizens 
of Memphis, both ( )atholic and Protestant. 
His innate talents and financial undertakings 
elicited the admiration of many of the lead- 
ing business men of the city. Some time be- 
fore his death, the "Order" concluded to de- 
molish the old pastoral residence and erect a 
new convent in its stead. During its erec- 
tion, Father O'Brien took particular delight 
at the progress of the new structure ; and he 
anxiously awaited the day when he was to 
remove into it, and select a room in his new 
home. The good Priest's hopes were not to 
be realized. I distinctly remember the morn- 
ing when he was first attacked with the Fever. 
As he entered La Salette Academy, he took a 
violent chill. With chattering teeth, he re- 
quested a brother Priest to hastily make note 



56 ■ HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

of some memoranda of deposits which he had 
not time to transfer to his ledger. He never 
left the bed on which he lay that morning. 
Had not God disposed otherwise, this clergy- 
man, being full of life and energy, and in 
every sense a picture of prime health, might 
have done great things for his "Order." 

REV. B. V. CARY, O. P. 

{Died Oct. 7, '73— Aged 40.) 

Father Gary, another Priest, who, in addi- 
tion to youth, health, and a gigantic frame, 
possessed talents that rendered his name con- 
spicuous, not only in Memphis, but through- 
out the Southern States, became another vic- 
tim to this dread plague. Returning from a 
sick call in Market street, he took the Fever 
on his way, and was never again seen on the 
streets. 

REV. J. R. DAILY, O. P. 

Father Daily, the first and youngest Priest 
that died of Yellow Fever in Memphis, was 
of Irish-American parentage, and although 
in appearance a mere boy, yet he was a cau- 
tious and vigorous man in wisdom and intel- 
lect. He took the Fever in that part of Mem- 
phis known as "Happy Hollow," where, until 
his sickness, he spent the greater part of his 
days and nights, ministering to the sick. 



REV. J. R. DAILY, 0. P. 57 

This St. Stephen of the Memphis martyrs, 
died on the 27th of September, 1873, at the 
early age of twenty-seven years. 

I am sorry to state a want of personal ac- 
quaintance deprives me giving in detail the 
life and charitable deeds of Father Leo, the 
Franciscan Priest, who was made a victim of 
the Fever in '73. He died on the 17th of 
October, and was then 45 years old. Indeed, 
the Fathers and Brothers of St. Mary's Mon- 
astery have not only aided and edified the 
sufferers, but have impersonated their great 
Founder, St. Francis, in all their deeds and 
virtues. 

If the German Catholics of Memphis should 
ever become cold in the practice of their relig- 
ion, and forget the good lessons they received 
in Fatherland, no part of this aspersion can 
be attached to the Priests of their nationality 
in Memphis. Those self-denying and Saintly 
Fathers have given, by their lives, quite a 
different lesson. 

As I shall have at a later period, occasion 
to speak of the bravery and ennobling virtues 
of Father Sheehy, I shall spare the reader a 
repetition of his life. The five Priests that 
gave up their lives in '73, are now sleeping- 
side by side in Calvary Cemetery. At the 
head of each is a small marble slab, giving 
the place of birth, age, and date of death. 



58 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

To each of those Clergymen who died in the 
full vigor of youth and manhood we may 
aptly apply the words of Cicero: u Nemo 
parum diu vixit, qui virtutis perfects perfecto 
functus est munere." "No one has lived a 
short life who has performed its duties with 
unblemished character." 

Although the first severe frost had de- 
stroyed all traces of Yellow Fever in Mem- 
phis, still several months elapsed before the 
last of the refugees had returned to their 
homes. Consequently, the depression in gov- 
ernment, mercantile, and labor bureaus was 
very discouraging. The pastors of the differ- 
ent churches had also serious cause to com- 
plain. Not only were they deprived of pew- 
rents and other church revenues while the 
Fever lasted, but for several months after, 
they had to bear up against this privation, as 
also, to aid those who returned, or remained 
destitute. The Priests and other Ministers 
living in Memphis at the time, have honestly 
earned the encomiums bestowed on them by 
their co-religionists throughout the States. 

POLICE AND FIREMEN OF MEMPHIS. 

While giving such favorable notice to the 
clergy whose mission is benevolence and char- 
ity, it would be an unpardonable oversight to 
ignore the bravery, perseverance, and heroic 



POLTCE AND FIREMEN OF MEMPHIS. 59 

zeal of two municipal organizations — the Po- 
lice-force and Firemen of Memphis. The 
former, under the leadership of Chief Athy, 
not only performed their civic duties to the 
satisfaction of the people, but, like minis- 
tering Angels, were often seen at the bed- 
side of the poor and distressed. In several 
instances, those brave fellows brought food 
.and clothing to the hungry and naked ; and 
a blue-coated giant might often be seen bear- 
ing in his brawny arms the infant babe from 
its departed mother, on his way to the Sisters' 
Asylum. In the darkest hours of Memphis, 
it was a cheering sight to recognize the giant 
form of Phil. R. Athy, riding up and down 
the principal thoroughfares. His courtesy, 
genial smile, and manly salute will not soon 
be forgotten. For several years he was the 
terror of thieves, gamblers and idlers ; while 
yet, in his social capacity, he was affable and 
gentle as a child. As he has been since called 
to his eternal reward, I do not hesitate to give 
utterance to my honest conviction, that his 
name deserves to be inscribed in golden letters 
among the galaxy of brave and true Memphis 
Irishmen. . In Elmwood Cemetery there is 
many a huge marble shaft over the remains 
of distinguished sons of Memphis, but not 
one marks the ashes of a braver hero than 
Chief Athy. 



60 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

The chief of the other department, another 
true son of Erin, has also been called to his 
final reckoning. Chief McFadden has won a 
place in the hearts of the Catholics of Mem- 
phis that shall not be effaced in this present 
generation. The chief and his "Boys," as 
they were sometimes called, were of the best 
bone and sinew of Memphis. Although they 
might be seen lazily lounging at the doors of 
their respective engine-houses, besides being 
ever on the alert to attend a conflagration, 
like a lion in his lair, each man was ready to 
spring forward to resent wrong, or relieve a 
sufferer. It was noticeable they most all had 
young and handsome wives and lovely chil- 
dren. It would cheer one's heart to see those 
smiling maidens and matrons standing on the 
stoop or porch, with heaving bosoms, waving 
words of encouragement to the " Boys " in oil- 
cloth, as they flew past their doors in the 
midst of fire and smoke. And many a mod- 
est Memphis Belle cast a loving side glance, 
as she recognized her affianced lover among 
the leaders of the van. 

FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

Like Northern and Eastern cities, Mem- 
phis, in -'73, and to the present day, has a 
moderate variety of benevolent and national 
societies. Of these, the " Order of Ancient 



FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 61 

Hibernians," is the first and oldest Catholic 
Society. Two distinguished merchants of the 
city, Messrs. Gavin and Lilly, acted as presi- 
dent or vice-president of this body for several 
years. The next society in order of prior- 
ity is that known by the chivalrous title: 
" Knights of Innisfail." Unlike the Hiber- 
nians, who allowed some very old men in 
their ranks, the Knights were all a chosen 
body of young, healthy, and, if I must say it, 
good looking men. 1 remember when they 
first appeared on the streets, in '73, decked in 
their new uniforms, they captured everything 
that could be captivated. Memphians, who 
heretofore had seen on their public prome- 
nades only men or boys wearing a few green 
or blue ribbons, were taken by storm when 
they saw a real military organization march- 
ing in measured step, signalled by fife and 
drum, with " plumed ' : hats and belted 
swords. When any of their members fell 
in death they accompanied his remains to 
the church in full regimentals. Over his 
casket, surounded by a mountain of flowers, 
were placed the regalia and sabre he wore in 
life. Like " warriors, they marched beside 
his remains" to the grave, and saw that he 
was buried as he lived, a true "Knight." Yet 
those athletic, well-shapen fellows were not 
really soldiers of war. I trust I will not ex- 



62 - HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

cite any ill-natured feelings should I insin- 
uate that in this Society a few of its members 
never sniffed the smoke of martial powder or 
heard an active cannon ball. The " Knights" 
had nobler ideas than those inspired by bloody 
war, which is a remnant of barbarism. Their 
chief aim was to aid the oppressed and dis- 
tressed — and above all, to shield honor, and 
enhance the glory of maidens. That those 
young gents were favorites with the fair — 
and less-fair — sex, is evinced from the facts 
that all their Tournaments and Feasts were 
crowded with the young and the old of every 
nationality. 

Other Societies, such as the "Clan-na-Gael," 
the. "Literary," the " Catholic Knights, 1 ' and 
the "Temperance Brothers," seemed to flour- 
ish and command a large membership. Of 
all the Catholic Societies of Memphis, I think 
none has appeared more conspicuous nor can 
boast of having done more lasting good for 
themselves and others than the "Temperance 
Societies " of Memphis. This Society was 
first organized in Memphis in 1872, by the 
Rev. D. A. Quinn, who was also elected Pres- 
ident of the State Union. In 74 it claimed 
a membership of one hundred and fifty. Af- 
ter the removal of Rev. I). A. Quinn from 
St. Bridget's, the Society passed under the 
spiritual guidance of Rev. Wm. Walsh. This 



FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 63 

Rev. gentleman, with his temperance recruits, 
during the Fever of '78, originated the Father 
Mathew Camp, which saved the lives of four 
hundred men, women, and children during 
the plague. The members of this society 
have done great charity in their time, and 
deserve all the encouragement a Catholic 
Priest or people can bestow. I recall with 
pleasure an occasion, in '73, when the bravery 
of the Memphis Temperance Societies and 
firemen was put to serious test. 

A renegade Irishman died in- Commerce 
street, He had a pew in the Episcopal 
Church. He sent for me as he was on the 
point of death. Having abjured his heresy, 
and seeing that he was truly penitent, I ad- 
ministered to him the last Sacraments. After 
his death, next day, his employer, a rich cot- 
ton merchant, called to see me to request that 
I would allow his remains to be interred in 
his (the merchant's) lot in Elmwood ceme- 
tery. With reluctance I consented. As he 
was about to leave, he remarked, by the way, 

that he had invited Dr. W , the Episcopal 

minister to perform the funeral rites and 
preach the panegyric. I told him he should 
not do so. In angry tones, he replied, he 
would not have an "old Priest" around his 
departed friend. "The man had lost Ins 
senses,' ' said he, k> when you attended him, 



61 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

and I deny that he ever died a Catholic/* 
Knowing this to be an utter falsehood, and 
seeing that the man had a child living who 
would inherit considerable property, I posi- 
tively insisted on my refusal. He answered 
me by a very insulting remark, after which I 
thrust him down the front-door steps and re- 
called my first promise allowing his remains 
to be carried" to Elmwood. Cursing me, he 
ran immediately for the Chief of Police of- 
fice. I, also, dispatched an emissary to Chief 
of Police Athy. Both entered the office at 
the same time, and each demanded the pro- 
tection of the police. The Chief, with a smile 
told my messenger lie was very sorry he could 
not let me have the police, at the same time 

bowing to Mr. P> he assured him he was 

very sorry he could do nothing in the mat- 
ter. -The whole affair," said he, "is a 
church matter, wherein I am not authorized 
to interfere." This was all I wanted. When 
Mr. Ryan, then sexton of St. Bridget's church, 
returned, I immediately ordered him to noti- 
fy the Temperance Society and the Firemen. 
It was about two hours after, when a brother 

of Mr. B returned with all manner of 

apologies. Knowing he had no police pro- 
tection, and having learned in a very short 
time, that all the Irish Catholics were prepar- 
ing for battle, he begged me as a " church 



FRATERNAL AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 65 

man" not to foment a riot, and to overlook 

tlif insults of his brother, who. he said, when 
excited, was very reckless in Ins remarks. 
Seeing this man spoke as a gentleman, I told 
him there would he no trouble if he and his 
preachers kept away from the house of the 
deceased man. He was very willing to guar- 
antee this, and departed thanking me sin- 
cerely. In less than half an hour after 

Mr. B had left the parsonage, there were 

some two hundred men, mostly Temperance 
and Firemen, surrounding the house where 
the corpse lay. A spokesman amongst them 

declared, that if old Doctor W came to 

preach over that Irishman, assuredly there 
would be one Episcopal minister less, and 
probably a number of corpses beside the one 
in question. As the minister did not appear, 

everything passed off quietly. Mr. B 

and his brother attended the funeral and sat 
on the church steps while the "Requiem" 
service was being read. 

Whenever a Pastor or other Priest was in pe- 
cuniary need, he had only to apply to the fire- 
men. These brave and obliging fellows would 
organize into various committees, go around 
and take the name and gift of every merchant 
within their respective precincts. Whenever 
they appeared at fairs, pic-nics, or other char- 



66 ' HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

itable devices, they were sure to make a grand 

success. 

While extolling the virtues and ennobling 
qualities of the police force and firemen of 
Memphis, I trust I have not exhausted the 
reader's patience by such a protracted digres- 
sion : but seeing that several of those men 
laid down their lives in the discharge of 
spontaneous acts of benevolence, while, alto- 
gether, they rendered incalculable service to 
the city and citizens, I consider it a duty to 
bestow " honor to whom honor is due." 

FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THF FEVER. 

With painful interest I now request the 
reader to follow me back to the subject of 
Fever. 

The disease seemed to have taken a relent- 
less grasp of the northern portion of the city, 
usually called "Pinch/' where the Irish were 
the majority. Taking Market street for a 
base, or southern boundary, those streets that 
ran at right angles, Front, Main, Second and 
Third, were more than decimated. In a 
boarding-house, corner Front and Market, I 
attended twenty-one Fever cases. In this 
same street, the young and beautiful wife of 

Mr. G , a rich cotton merchant, was taken 

from her helpless children. By some mis- 
take, this lady was " prayed " for in the 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OP THE FEVER. 67 

church on Sunday, and the undertaker went 
to take her measure Cora coffin while she was 

yet living". A Mrs. T . of this same street. 

after losing her husband, two daughters and 
a son, begged me to lend her money to fly 
with her two surviving hoys " up North." 
Although wealthy, she could find no one 
willing to cash a thousand dollar check un- 
til I lent her the money. An accomplished 
young school-teacher, the pride of her family, 

Miss Nellie M , with her uncle, died in 

this same street, Webb, O'Loughlin, Kelly. 
Daily, Madigan, and Shea were fatal names in 
Front street. 

At the corner of Auction and Front, I re- 
member having seen a most respectable lady 
(Mrs. Shea) and her two daughters stretched 
dead in the same room. Her youngest child. 
Lizzie, was dying in an adjoining room. 
Recognizing my voice, she begged me to 
give her a drink of water. The physician had 
forbidden her ice-water. Seeing there was no 
hope for the child's recovery, I considered it 
humane to gratify her longing. I filled a large 
bowl with cold water. The veins of her neck 
swelled out as she swallowed the cooling 
draught. Having sipped the last drop, with 
a smack of her lips, she bit off a large por- 
tion of the bowl and crunched it beneath her 
chattering teeth. Another young lady in 



68 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Second street crept out of bed at night and 
drank a full pitcher of water, after which she 
fell dead. In this street, corner Jackson, I 
and another Priest called to see a family 

named L . The entire household were 

down with the Fever. While I was giving 
the last Sacraments to the wife and husband 
in the same bed, the other Priest, a few feet 
distant, was hearing the confession of the son, 
then about twenty-one years old. I invited 
this young clergyman to see some three other 
families. The last, consisting of a mother and 
two daughters, in a dying condition, seemed 
to satisfy his zeal for that day. He begged 
to go home on " pressing " business. This 
family all died except a little boy, then about 
six years old. The father, who had consid- 
erable wealth, appointed his employer, a Mr. 

W , Administrator. This man gave charge 

of the boy to a Mrs. N . a bigoted Protest- 
ant. Hearing of his whereabouts, I induced 
the boy's uncle to secrete him from his guar- 
dian. He did so. A month after, I met the 
Administrator. Unbuttoning his overcoat. 
he produced a legal document. " : Here, Mr. 
Quinn," said he, "I have an order from the 
court for this young man's and your arrest 
for kidnapping my ward." If this order was 
genuine, he failed to execute it, — perhaps 
more for his own sake than for any grace he 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 69 

wished to extend to me. The child, however, 

was brought back again, after Mr. W had 

promised to send him to the Christian Broth- 
ers' College in a year or two from date. At 
present, I have been informed the boy, or 
rather young man, has entirely ignored the 
faith of his fathers. Several such cases of 
proselytism, having occurred in this way, 
should be a warning to Catholics never to 
allow non-Catholics to have charge of their 
property or children. 

The following instance is even more deplor- 
able, from the fact that the children to whom 
I refer are to be deprived — perhaps for life — 
of the advantages of civil and religious edu- 
cation. Two girls, children of an Irishman 
who died in '73, were by some means given 
to an American family living in the woods, 
some four miles back of Covington, Tennes- 
see. In company with a lady from Mason- 
depot, who acquainted me of their where- 
abouts, I went out to see if there was any 
prospect of having those children brought 
back and given to the Sisters or some Cath- 
olic families of Memphis. After frequent in- 
quiries as to where this man lived in the 
wilderness, we at last reached his place of 
residence. The dwelling was a wretched log 
hut, near which stood an old, dilapidated 
barn. There we recognized the children. 



70 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

From our first arrival, the unkempt farmer 
viewed us with sinister suspicion. As the 
children, who appeared to be sadly neglected, 
approached, we acquainted the gentleman as 
to the object of our Sunday visit. I call him 
gentleman more through constraint than cour- 
tesy, for although he was the only living spec- 
imen of his sex residing in the locality, his 
conduct towards me and the lady with me 
forfeited every claim to good breeding or hos- 
pitality. As he compressed a quid of tobacco 
between his blackened teeth, he drawled out 
an asseveration, to which he prefixed and af- 
fixed the Adorable Name, that any son of an 
Irishman that would try to take those chil- 
dren would first receive the contents of a 
murderous shot-gun, to which he made an 
incoherent, but very suspicious motion. Not 
feeling particularly desirous to carry home 
■with me a full charge of country buckshot, 
I considered it prudent to decamp, not, how- 
ever, before I expressed my sincere regret that 
the children should be thus exiled with a 
savage in a savage wilderness. 

Another little girl, named Mollie Taft (at 
present adopted by a respectable gentleman, 

Owen L ), was taken to a county village 

on the Paducah railroad by an itinerant 
Preacher, and given to a Protestant family. 
I wrote for the child, but onlv received im- 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 71 

pertinent and defiant answers. [ consulted 
a friend, who was a city detective. He told 
me the only thing I could do was to have the 
court appoint me Guardian. Then I could 
demand and re-take the child. I intended 
to follow this advice, in case "all fruit failed. " 
From recent experience of court-house eti- 
quette, however, I had .no desire to have 
myself appointed legal Guardian, so I ex- 
pected to accomplish my object by an en- 
deavor to scare or "bluff" the Preacher. I 
had plausible and some very knotty facts on 
my side. Writing to the Minister, I stated 
that I had several witnesses who were pre- 
pared to vouch in court, that on a certain 
Sabbath evening he wheedled into his buggy 
an Irish girl, twelve years old, and drove with 
her into the woods, in the direction of Over- 
ton station, and that, ever since, no satisfac- 
tory account of her whereabouts had been 
given. Such proceedings on the part of a 
Minister having no control of her person or 
religion, but heretofore an entire stranger, I 
contended, in the eyes of the law, would ap- 
pear very like a case of "kidnapping," which 
charge I would prefer, unless the child was 
returned herewith. My warning had the de- 
sired effect. Seeing that his action appeared 
very suspicious, the Preacher went immedi- 
ately to the parties to whom he gave the 



72 ' HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

young girl and begged them to return her at 
once, or else he would be a " ruined " man. 
After a lapse of three or four days, the girl 
was brought back to the church by a rural 
escort, who spoke as though it was a part of 
his errand, not only to return the child " safe 
and sound," but also to exhibit a very yile 
specimen of slang profanity. 

Lest there should be any doubt as to the 
correctness of this narration, I simply give 

the initials of the Preacher's name, V , and 

the parties who wished to adopt the child, 

H . A staunch and good-natured Irish 

miller (James Mehan), still living in Kerr- 
ville, Tenn., can give a graphic account of 
this episode. 

But Priests, during the Fever, had more 
deplorable and difficult cases that demanded 
their attention. In some instances, children 
whose parents had died, or friends left the 
city, were taken into houses of doubtful re- 
pute. One example will answer for three or 
four of the kind that came under my notice 
during the Fever of '73. 

A young girl, about sixteen years of age, 
named Jennie , a convert from Protest- 
antism, and about eighteen months from Ire- 
land, was induced by parties whom she con- 
sidered very nice young ladies, to go to their 
residence and remain there until her married 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 73 

sister would return from the North. The 
poor girl, having no sinister suspicions, being 
glad to find what, so far, was very hard to 
find, a good home, willingly accepted their 
offer. After the Fever, a companion, and 
christian namesake, told me of Jennie's 
whereabouts. I consulted Chief of Police 
Athy, who directed officer M to accom- 
pany me to the place. Having entered the 
house, the Officer rapped with his baton, 
when to our surprise and satisfaction Jennie 
herself was the first to appear. She seemed 
anxious and glad to leave. As the young 
woman had some costly clothing we con- 
cluded it was best to have her trunk and all 
leave at the same time. Accordingly, Jennie 
was called to give an inventory of her wear- 
ables. Her Prayer-book and Beads were 
amongst the first articles recovered. In the 
hurry of the moment, some of the young 
woman's garments were either purposely 
withheld or could not be found. This was 

no source of trouble to big Officer M . He 

asked Jennie to show him anything that 
" looked" like her property, when with the 
least indication of her head or hand, he 
stowed into her trunk not only what she 
readily recognized, but everything that bore 
a doubtful resemblance to it. The only satis- 
faction he afforded the misguided inmates 



74 ' HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

who protested, was the threat, that the whole 
place would be " pulled " or burnt in less 
than a month. The Catholic Orphanage, 
which is in the vicinage of this wretched 
" den " was the scene of great disturbance for 
several nights after Jennie had left. Many 
shots were fired in the direction, and mur- 
derous threats were made by ingratiated male 
friends of the young lady, suspecting that 
she was yet concealed in the Orphan Asylum. 
The young lady was sent to a good Shepherd 
convent, where she has ever since remained a 
pious and most exemplary Magdalen. 

Some days after this event, I met the Irish 
giant policeman on the street. After show- 
ing me a letter he received, with a pair of 
Scapulars from Ireland, I reverted to our late 

encounter. "M ," said I, "I think some 

of those things we took that day did not be- 
long to the child/' "Oh, Father," said he, 
" don't mind that — sure they don't need any- 
thing out there ; I wish the whole place was 
burnt, Father, if it were only for the sake of 
the Orphans." While I could unite in the 
same wish, I still thought his notions of 
equity were rather primitive. 

This good man lost his only daughter Mag- 
gie in '73. She was a modest and beautiful 
young lady of some seventeen summers. I 
say "summers," for she had no winters with 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 75 

this kind and good-natured father, who loved 
her as the apple of his eve. You may talk 
with him for an hour, yet he would always 
wind up his discourse with tear-fraught eyes, 
and the almost whispered name of his poor 
" Maggie." While visiting a patient, a little 
blac.k-and-tan dog that belonged to a negro 

happened to bite me. Officer M heard 

of it. A week after, I met him. " Father," 
said he, "I fixed that brute." ". What brute?" 
"Oh, the dog that bit you, Father." "Did 
you kill him?" "Yes, Father. Between 
ourselves, I could get into trouble, for I had 
no warrant. But I scared the ' darkies,' 
by threatening to have them all brought to 
court, when they begged me to kill the dog 
and go no further." 

Amongst the homeless waifs of '73 was a 

beautiful little child named Katie T . 

Her dying mother left her in my charge, 
begging me to get her a nice home after 
the Fever. I promised to do so, and took 
the child (three years old) in my arms to 
the church, after the mother had impressed 
her last farewell kiss on its velvet cheeks. I 
had given this child for adoption to some 
seven different respectable families, who all, 
after a few weeks or months, returned her on 
account of her persistent aversion to men. It 
would appear that no wheedling could in- 



76 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

duce little Katie to shake hands or kiss him 
who offered to be a father to her. Whether 
this was sufficient cause to reject or recom- 
mend, I forbear to state ; at all events it was 
the alleged reason for sending the poor child 
away from many a comfortable home. But 
although Mis-Fortune and Miss Kate seemed 
to he inseparable companions, still it would 
seem old dame, or Mrs. Fortune, had an eye 
to the child all the time. A lady in Hong- 
kong, a Mrs. C , had made frequent hut 

unsatisfactory inquiries after the child and 
its mother. Hearing the mother had died of 
Fever, she wrote me offering to educate Katie 
until she would be a grown young lady. It 

seemed this Mrs. C was once a ward of 

Katie's mother, who taught her the millinery 
trade. Having met an English tea merchant 
in San Francisco, she married and went with 

him to ( Jhina. Mrs. C , in her first letter, 

sent me a check for twelve hundred dollars, 
directing me to buy a certain homestead for 
the child. Besides several chests of most cost- 
ly clothing and a box of jewelry, valued at 
fifteen hundred dollars, this good lady con- 
tinued to send, on an average, some two or 
three hundred dollars a year to Katie and 
her grandmother. She was educated by the 
Sisters of St. Agnes Academy, Memphis. At 
present, I learn she is a most beautiful and 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 77 

accomplished young lady and an ornamenl 

in the " circle" wherein she moves. 

Mr. John L , a wealthy and respected 

wine-merchant of Memphis, adopted another 
Yellow Fever waif in '73. The child's pa- 
rents died of the Fever. As this gentleman 
has no children of his own, little Mollie will 
likely be a rich young lady at some future 
day. At present, she is an adept in music, 
painting and literature, towards the cultiva- 
tion of which, her adopted mother has spared 
neither pains nor expense. 

The strangest, and in some instances the 
most unaccountable features of human nature 
were developed during the prevalence of the 
Fever. Side by side, you would see undaunt- 
ed heroism and vile cowardice ; miserly pen- 
ury and open-hearted philanthrophy. Ladies 
and gentlemen occupying high jmsitions in 
life might be seen going from house to house 
aiding the poor and suffering, while others 
either kept aloof or offered their services at 
the highest price. A dying wife assured me 
her husband ran away and left her and two 
children in a dying condition. In some in- 
stances a child would be afraid to visit his 
parents, and a brother refuse to visit a sister 
or brother. In these cases human sympathy 
was exposed to an awful strain ; and consid- 
ering the probable, if not always fatal danger 



78 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

of visiting a sick person, it was hard to blame 
them for not risking their lives. Hence, if 
it were not for the Priests and Sisters, hun- 
dreds would have died without a living soul 
to administer to their extreme wants or have 
their bodies prepared for decent burial. I re- 
member two instances which were especially 
sad. One was a case where the Fever-stricken 
wife had lain from three o'clock, P. M., until 
midnight beside her dead husband. The par- 
ties resided in Commerce street. Feeling it 
unnatural to let the woman remain all night 
with a corpse, I went round for more than 
two hours, trying to induce some one to re- 
main with this poor widow. At last, when 
it was about 12 o'clock, midnight, a Fireman 
volunteered to keep watch. As this woman 
had no money, it might be expected that she 
would have few or no friends. 

But the other instance I am going to relate 
refers to parties who were wealthy, and who, 
before the Fever, had hosts of friends. One 
morning, as I entered their house on Main 

street, I saw Mrs. M. B stretched dead 

beside her little pet-daughter, Mollie, who 
was also on the point of death. There was 
not a soul around to look after the corpse. I 
had to walk several blocks before I could find 
any one who had courage enough to enter the 
residence. The next morning I re-visited the 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 79 

house. Little Mollie again called me to her 
bedside. Although she was in ill condition 
to weep, her little eyes were moist with tears. 
"Oh, Father," said she, " 1 do not like to die 
and leave papa alone." I expressed the hope 
that God might let her live for her papa's 
sake, when she corrected me : "I must die, 
Father," said she ; " mamma appeared to me 
last night at the window, and told me I should 
go with her." These words, whether the rav- 
ings of a fevered brain or an intuitive percep- 
tion of her approaching end, struck me very 
forcibly. At all events, it was only a ques- 
tion of a few hours when she obeyed the real 
or imaginary call of her mother. That same 
evening, as I happened to be passing along 
Main street, I re-entered the house as far as 
the chamber door. As I gazed on the two 
lifeless forms, mother and child, rigid and 
dishevelled, after their hard struggle with 
death, I felt as though relieved, seeing that 
the dread battle was over and won, for on 
either countenance there glowed a placid 
smile. Although thirteen years have elapsed 
since that innocent child rendered her soul to 
its Maker, I distinctly remember how serious 
and awe-stricken she appeared before death. 
I had to visit her three times before she felt 
prepared to bid me a final farewell. Her 
last words sank deeply into my soul : " Oh ! 



80 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Father, it is a hard thing to die and appear 
before God." Would that those who have 
committed more sins in one hour than this 
child, were she to live a hundred years, would 
take a lesson from her last words. 

"How shocking must thy summons be, O ! death, 
To him that is at ease iu his possessions ; 
Who, counting on long years of pleasure here, 
Is quite unfurnished for that world to come." 

The instance of a young lady who died in 
Market street affords a touching, as well as 
an edifying example. In response to a sick 
call, Father Cary, a Dominican Priest, called 
at the residence of this young lady. After 
hearing her confession and administering Ex- 
treme-Unction, he promised to return with 
the Holy Viaticum the following morning. 
The good Priest was unable to keep his en- 
gagement, for he took the Fever from this 
house and was dead himself before the girl 
whom he had so recently prepared. 

It must be remembered that messengers 
dispatched to the Priest's residence, to notify 
him of urgent calls, were very often disap- 
pointed. The Priest was obliged to spend the 
greater part — in fact, most of his time — away 
from home, attending those who had antici- 
pated his departure in the morning. In such 
eases, the parties had either to await the 
Priest's return, or indite the names and ad- 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 81 

drosses of those to be attended, on a slate 
placed for the purpose at the door of the pas- 
toral residence. This arrangement was expe- 
dite, for the reason that it afforded the visiting 
clergyman a selection of those streets that 
had the most " calls, " which, if visited pro- 
miscuously, would he impossible to attend. 

As I was passing along Front street, at the 
intersection of Market, the young lady's uncle 
came up and begged me to call and see his 
niece. Although the house was within the 
limits of St. Peter's parish, I thought in 
charity I would comply. As I entered, the 
mother whispered to me that Father Cary 
could not give her the Sacrament, as she 
was continually retching. Overhearing these 
words, the patient sat upright in the bed and 
said, " Father, for the love of Jesus Christ, 
give me the Holy Sacrament before I die. If 
you do, I will pray for you while I will be in 
Heaven. I will not throw it up, Father.'' 
Considering it impious to refuse under these 
circumstances, I gave her the Holy Viaticum. 
To the astonishment of those looking on, and 
my own amazement, after raising her eyes 
towards Heaven, and then gently closing 
them, she fell back on the pillow a corpse. 
There are several ladies still living in Mem- 
phis who have been witnesses of this fact. 
A few days after, the young lady's uncle took 



82 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

the Fever. He had joined the Freemasons, 
and had lost the faith. His sister sent for 
me. After hearing his confession, and re- 
ceiving his Masonic pin and badge, I anointed 
and gave him the kt last blessing." As I took 
his hand to bid him farewell, with an anxious 
look he said, u Won't you give me what you 
gave Celia?" The poor fellow had not made 
his First Communion. I remonstrated, but 
to no purpose. " Father," said he, in a pitiful 
tone, "don't let me die without it," On the 
promise of a pious young lady, to instruct 
him as best she could, I gave him the Holy 
Sacrament. After attending a few other sick 
people, I called again that same evening. He 
was dead. In the next house, I could hear 
the pitiful wailing of a bereaved wife, whose 
husband, of the fire department, had just ex- 
pired. 

Lovers and devotees of romance will find 
the two following cases especially interesting: 

A wealthy and respectable young widow 

(a Mrs. H ) residing in North Memphis, 

besides two promising and intelligent boys. 
Avas also blessed in the possession of two fa- 
vored daughters, called Lizzie and Mamie. 
As the latter is still living, and on the high 
road to happiness and conjugal prosperity, 
my remarks shall be confined to the short life 
and saintly death of Lizzie. Having reached 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 8-3 

the golden age of virgin maturity, besides 
possessing all the fascinations that beauty, 

wealth, and refined culture could afford, this 
maiden plighted her betrothment to a young 
city merchant (a brother of one of the prom- 
inent clergymen of the city). In the prime 
of manhood, his pleasing address and athletic 
physique afforded him welcome access to the 
society of ladies and gentlemen, who, if they 
did not feel disposed to admire his handsome 
face, could not fail to appreciate his wit and 
manly demeanor. The mother and daughter 
fairly idolized this young man and his saintly 
brother. It would seem as though Heaven 
had destined Lizzie and Joe an inseparable 
twain. Before the epidemic, Joe spent most 
of his spare time at the home of his future 
fair young bride. But it was only when his 
enamored "fiancee " was prostrated with Fever 
that he manifested his devotion and constancy. 
All his days and nights he spent at her bed- 
side, anxiously awaiting the dreadful crisis. 
Some ten physicians were called for consulta- 
tion. All that monev and medical skill could 
accomplish were put to the utmost test ; but 
in vain. Even the merits of Prayer and Sac- 
rifice did not move that God that "spared not 
the life of His onlv 8011." Old grim death 
stepped in between this loving couple, and 
wrenched asunder the clasped hands and the 



84 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

hearts they would unite in wedlock. In the 
death of this young lady, the mother felt 
wrung out of her very soul the almost adored 
image of her affections ; while the young 
man's hopes were blighted and his feelings 
blunted, if not entirely indurated. 

Some time after, as I was on a visit to 
my native country, I saw this voung man's 
brother making the Jubilee in the little chap- 
el of Bourna, near Roscrea. My brother, 
Rev. Peter Quinn, then a Priest of that dis- 
trict, pointed him out to me as we were view- 
ing the church. I motioned him to follow 
me out in the chapel yard. When I informed 
him who I was. and that I resided in the same 
house with his brother for seven years, his 
swimming eyes could no longer conceal their 
heavy burden. There was a marked resem- 
blance between himself and his departed 
brother. With yearning anxiety he impor- 
tuned me to let him know how Father Mar- 
tin died ; what became of his money and his 
valuable gold watch and chain. I sadly in- 
formed him his brother died penniless ; that 
even the vestments that were encofflned with 
his remains were donated by the hand of 
charity, and that I had seen myself his bro- 
ther's last dying scroll, "willing " his watch 
and chain to a faithful friend who never for- 
sook him in health, sickness, or death. I told 



FATAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE FEVER. 85 

him, also, all I could remember about his 
first cousin, Father Michael Meagher's death. 

Thinking the poor fellow had now exhaust- 
ed his store of interrogatories, I reached for 
his hand to take leave, when another cloud 
of anxiety overspread his pale countenance, 
as he begged of me to tell him where his 
brother Joe was. In this, I was completely 
non-plussed. I could only say that his bro- 
ther had left the city some three years pre- 
vious, and that it was probable he had not 
heard of Father Martin's death.. Although 
this honest fellow seemed quite indisposed to 
any form of consolation, he seemed to bright- 
en up when I expressed the hope that Joe, 
like the prodigal son, might one day surprise 
his friends and return to his father's house. 

The foregoing romance recalls to us the 
beautiful lines of Moore : 

" Life is a waste of wearisome hours, 

Which seldom the rose of enjo3^ment adorns, 
And the heart that is soonest awake to the flowers, 
Is always the first to be touched by the thorns." 

The other case, savoring of romance, was 
this : I was called to attend a young and re- 
cently married couple, — both sick in the same 
bed. They lived in Front street. As it would 
be certain and speedy death to remove either 
one, I was in a quandary as to how I should 
hear their confessions. The wife, noticing 



86 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

my embarrassment, said, in a half-suppressed 
smile, " I guess I did nothing John cares 
about." I saw this couple next morning, 
both dead. A^eritable ! Their hands were 
locked ! As I gazed upon the manly brow 
of this brawny knight, and the delicately- 
moulded features of his fair companion, I 
felt as though death had made a pitiless 
stroke. Recalling her last words of the pre- 
vious evening, " I guess I did nothing John 
cares about," I could wish that all wives had 
such a clear conscience in their last moments, 
and that every married couple might be united 
like them, hand in hand, in life and death. 

WALTHAL INFIRMARY. 

This building, improvised for a Yellow Fe- 
ver hospital, stood on Promenade street, near 
Market, facing the Mississippi river. It was 
a large and commodious building. Here, 
several poor persons, and others who could 
not afford medical attendance, were brought 
for treatment. Rooms were portioned off for 
men and women. The Priest was expected 
to visit this hospital every day. In every 
instance where he failed to make a spontane- 
ous, he was required to make a compulsory 
visit. The medical treatment, the nurses, and 
general attention, I am pleased to say, were 
satisfactory. To a young clergyman, however, 



WALTHAL INFIRMARY. 87 

(as I was at the time) it appeared rather un- 
comfortable to see so many invalids congre- 
gated. 

Heretofore, the Priest had only to visit the 
sick, more or less isolated, in their respective 
residences. But here was mortifying human- 
ity by the wholesale. The nurse (generally a 
non-Catholic) had no idea of what was nec- 
essary for the decent administration of the 
last Sacraments. The Priest had to bring 
everything himself. Clergymen who attend 
hospitals, penitentiaries, etc., readily under- 
stand these difficulties. However, in those 
instances, the Priest had generally the right 
to order the inmates of the room to absent 
themselves while he was hearing a patient's 
confession. This was not feasible in Walthal 
Infirmary. The patients, being all bed-rid- 
den, and of different creeds, were either un- 
willing, or unable to leave. The only resort 
for the attending clergyman was to draw as 
near as possible, and be ready to catch the 
least whisper of the penitent, who, if some- 
what deaf (as was frequently the case), made 
the effort very distressing. As the Priest sat 
beside the patient, it was dreadful to hear the 
stertorous breathing of those giving up the 
ghost in different parts of the room. In the 
corridors, one was sure to see three or four 
corpses every morning. 



88 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

While hearing a poor man's confession in 
a ward in which there must have been twelve 
or fifteen others, endeavoring to live or die, I 
noticed before me a man who had just drawn 
his last breath. Two strong colored nurses 
stood over him immediately. Turning the 
sheet on which he lay over his body, they 
lifted and carried the still warm " remains " 
out in the corridor. There stood a long deal 
box. In this they deposited the corpse. The 
box was immediately covered, and securely 
nailed, taken down stairs and into the street, 
where a horse and wagon were awaiting, not 
this body alone, but a full load of human 
flesh. 

Lest the foregoing remarks should hurt the 
feelings of any one still living, who had been 
engaged in Walthal Infirmary, I beg to state 
that, under the circumstances, much better 
could not be done. The adage says, " Constans 
aid lenis, id res expostulet esto." '* Be firm or 
mild, as the occasion may require." 

INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER OF 1873. 

In some particular instances, the patients 
died before they had sufficient strength to 
swallow the Viaticum ; while others, having 
" received," were obliged to vomit. These 
cases were very embarrassing, because the 
Priest had to collect the half dissolved par- 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER. 89 

tides from the lifeless tongue or basin in 
which they were deposited, and put them 
into a separate Pix, to prevent infection. 
■Some Priests consumed these particles during 
Mass the following morning. 

( rhastly strange and some very ludicrous 
things occurred during this eventful time. A 
young Priest told me he was badly scared one 
day in a house on Commerce street, between 
Second and Main streets. Being summoned 
to attend a sick person, he went right to the 
bed where he thought the patient lay, seized 
the man by the hand, shook his head, and 
told him to make his confession. There was 
no move. He shook him again, when, to his 
horror, he saw it was a corpse, which he mis- 
took for a sick man in the next room. 

I remember seeing Father Walsh, who died 
in '78, enter the pastoral dining room, his face 
and shirt-bosom bespattered with black vomit. 
The Doctors prescribed a little bag of assafcet- 
ida for all the Priests to wear in their bosoms 
during the prevalence of the Fever. One 
day, as a number of Priests were recreating 
themselves after dinner, at St. Bridget's par- 
sonage (in '73), a young Priest stood up, and 
with animation said : " Gentlemen, I have 
borne this horrid thing long enough," where- 
upon he released his neck from string and 
bag, both which he flung into the fire, say- 



90 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

ing, " Here, let me die if I will, but I shall 
never be brought to my grave with such a 
detestable odor." Indeed, next to capital 
punishment or exile, the compulsory wear- 
ing a bag of assafcetida for three days is the 
most ignominious punishment to which a 
man of good odor can be consigned. Except 
Sin alone, it compounds all the fetidness de- 
caying nature can furnish. 

Although the Negroes escaped the Fever of 
'73, still they were panic-stricken, and mor- 
tally afraid whenever any strange event or 
sickness occurred amongst themselves. One 
early morning of the month of October, '73, 
near the corners of Main and Jackson streets, 
a group of half terrified Negroes surrounded 
the carcass of a mule that lay stretched in the 
middle of the street. While the men shook 
their heads in ominous silence, the women 
exhausted all the portentous ejaculations of 
Negro verbiage. At last, a Negro whose 
cropped, but frosted hair bespoke the winter 
of " three score and ten," in the capacity of 
spokesman, said : " Colored sisters ahd bro- 
thers : when de Feber takes de mule, de Nig- 
ger han't got no show." This process of 
reasoning, although contrary to Christian 
cosmogany, did not militate against the theo- 
ries of Darwin, who acknowledged no dis- 
tinction between animal protoplasms. In 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER. 91 

fact, the colored spokesman, according to the 
latter writer, made a logical deduction, pre- 
dicting no escape for his people when evi- 
dence showed the " grade " above and below 
his race were attacked by the Fever. 

The following, although occurring some 
two weeks before the Fever of '73 appeared 
in Memphis, is such a thrilling narrative that 
I cannot discard it. And, as there is no 
question of honor or honesty at stake, I will 
locate where the incident occurred, in the 
residence of a kind and most charitable lady, 
living near the intersection of Third and 
Market streets. I have previously stated, a 
virulent outbreak of Cholera preceded the 
Yellow Fever of '73. The good landlady of 
this residence took a violent case of Cholera. 
Although cramps, at intervals of five and six 
minutes, threatened to make short work of 
her life, still, owing to medical skill and fre- 
quent rubbing and mustard bathing, she soon 
became convalescent. During severe shocks, 
her reason occasionally became unsettled. 
The physician left a small bottle to allay the 
spasms, prescribing a teaspoonful to be given 
every three hours. By some unfortunate mis- 
take, a little white bottle which the Lady 
herself had secreted behind a clock on the 
mantel, was produced, and mistaken for the 
bottle given by the Doctor. When the pa- 



92 * HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

tient saw the nurse pouring some of its con- 
tents on a teaspoon, she screamed and remon- 
strated with all her might. The neighbors 
in the vicinage hearing the unnatural shrieks, 
ran immediately to the house, rushing into 
the room without ceremony. All concluded 
the woman had again lost her senses. A 
man, and some three women, held the pa- 
tient down with efforts that required all their 
reserved strength. Every attempt to give the 
medicine was unavailable. In the meantime 
the Priest was despatched for. He being an 
old friend of the sick Lady, it was hoped, 
would calm her fears and restore reason. Xo 
sooner had the patient seen the Priest than 
she again screamed "Poison! Murder! Mer- 
cy ! " The Priest was sorry to see his friend 
in such a phrensy. He addressed her gently, 
and did all he could to calm her feelings. 
But the patient only became the more discon- 
solate. Seeing this, he concluded like the 
other bystanders, that the Doctor's medicine 
Avas the only thing that would quiet her 
nerves. Accordingly, he assisted by holding 
the patient's hands, while the nurse poured 
out a teaspoonful. By a superhuman effort 
the woman wrenched her hands loose, and 
-rasping the bottle from the nurse's hand 
< las] kmI it in pieces against the marble mantel. 
After this struggle she became perfectly quiet. 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER. 93 

The Priest seeing there was no i in mediate 
danger, returned to the parsonage. Not- 
wishing to go back again, being somewhat 
u piqued " at the bipartition of his magnificent 
gold chain which the patient in her struggles 
wrenched asunder, he requested me to visit 
the sick woman before night, fearing she" 
might take a relapse and die without the Sac- 
raments. I obeyed his orders. As I entered 
the sick room, I was surprised to hear the pa- 
tient greet me with a very pleasant salute. 
She appeared perfectly calm and collected, 
although faint and exhausted. Addressing 
me by name she said : " Father, the terrors of 
death are yet in my heart." Imagining she 
referred to her attack of Cholera, I allowed 
she ought to be very thankful for such a nar- 
row escape. " It is not that, Father; don't 
you know the neighbors, and even the Priest, 
wanted to poison me? " I began to have mis- 
givings that her " ravings " might lead to an- 
other attack, when she soon composed my 
fears, or rather startled me by the appalling- 
fact itself. " The close which they would have 
me take was from a bottle of strychnine, 
which I concealed behind the clock before I 
took sick ; when I saw it in the nurse's hand 
I roared Poison ! and Murder ! All the hor- 
rors of death came before me, until I snatched 
the bottle and broke it, I beg you to excuse 



91 ' HEROES 'AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

me to Father for being so rude, and I 

am so sorry to break his chain." 

After hearing this frightful tale, and all 
but miraculous escape, I assured the good 
Lady her refusal to take a dose of strychnine 
was entirely orthodox ; and that if general 
etiquette required her passive compliance, 
the present instance was carrying domestic 
politeness a little too far. I had to join in 
the laughter she excited when, as I left the 
sick room, she said : " The bottle did me one 
service — it cured me of the Cholera." When 
I returned and informed the Priest of his ap- 
palling mistake he refused to believe the 
woman had her right mind, and he was ta- 
ken to his grave without being convinced. 

I have already mentioned, that besides the 
important, if not imperative duties of admin- 
istering the last Sacraments and Rites of the 
Church, taking care of homeless waifs, and 
aiding the sick and suffering, another serious 
duty devolved on the Priest during the hor- 
rors of Fever. It was the taking charge of 
money, jewels, deeds, Ac, of those who had 
no trusty friends around them at the moment 
of death. If prudence discouraged, at least 
Christian Charity, forbade the Priest to ignore 
this important duty. I cannot refrain from 
relating an instance of this kind. 

A widow in rather comfortable circum- 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER.' 95 

stances died in Jackson street (Mrs. M ). 

She was a favorite amongst the Catholics, and 
had merited the blessing of every poor Irish 
family in the neighborhood. She took the 
Fever. The morning she expired, I happened 
to call at her house, and found the room in 
which she lay filled with people. It would 
seem as though, in spite of all the terrors of 
Fever, the neighbors, "white" and "colored," 

wanted to see Mrs. M before she died. I 

had given her the last Sacraments the day 
before, and had just concluded the blessing 
" In articulo mortis," when an old woman 
whispered to me that all her money, jewelry, 
and valuables were locked up in the bureau 
drawer. I quietly approached the dying 
woman, and asked her for the keys. To 
my surprise, she was speechless. In this 
emergency I scarcely knew what to do. The 
lady's oldest daughter was at the convent at 
Joliet, 111., and the younger one was but a 
child. In the absence of any responsible 
party, I feared to leave her valuables among 
such a promiscuous crowd. Having nothing 
better, I took a poker and pried the drawer 
open. While engaged, I glanced over at the 
dying woman. To my astonishment, her face 
was lit up with a smile. It was well I opened 
the drawer, for it contained, besides her gold 
watch, chain, and jewelry, some valuable pa- 



96 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

pers, and a few hundred dollars in greenbacks. 
Her two daughters, Joe and Minnie, are now 
accomplished young ladies, and no doubt ap- 
preciate these souvenirs of a mother's mem- 
ory. When the Fever had subsided, I re- 
member having, "for safe keeping," ten silver, 
and five gold watches, besides several lockets, 
chains, bracelets, and rings. Some cherished 
heirs or clear friends of the departed are now 
wearing those fond tokens of brighter days. 
Before I proceed further in my narration 
of personal reminiscences, I wish to state that 
in all the examples I have made bold to relate, 
it has been far beneath any motive of mine 
to mention any fact solely for the sake of 
gaining the popular ear, when the same might 
wound the feelings of the parties concerned, 
or their friends. Although I have witnessed 
many sad cases of perfidy, intemperance, tyr- 
anny, and cowardice, I have studiously over- 
looked them, with the hope that the Father 
of Mercies will do the same. In all my ref- 
erences, I wish it to be distinctly understood 
that, as the glory of God is the primary object 
of this little work, I single out examples that 
I believe to be most edifying ; and that, 
wherever I specify names or streets, I sim- 
ply wish to recall in fond recollection to the 
living, the ennobling virtues of the " de- 
parted " whom they knew and loved. 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER. 97 

This protracted, but I trust judicious ex- 
planation, has almost caused me to lose sight 
of the little incident I was going to relate. 

About half past four, one fine morning in 
September, '73, a messenger rang the night 
bell of the pastoral residence. After a mo- 
ment's enquiry I learned it was a sick call. 
Making all possible haste, I accompanied the 
little girl to the house where the patient re- 
sided. It belonged to an American Protest- 
ant family who had run away from the Fe- 
ver and left Miss B , a domestic, and her 

little sister in charge. Seeing the little girl 
who called me to visit her sister had the Fe- 
ver, also, I ordered her into an adjoining 
room, where I heard her confession. In a 
few moments she lay beside her sister. After 
anointing the two, I endeavored to procure 
them whatever nourishment they might need 
until I could get a nurse, and promised to 
revisit on the morrow. On calling next day. 
I found the little girl dying — the other be- 
yond all hopes of recovery. The elder sister 
told me in a faint voice she had some little 
" things" to dispose of. As I feared I could 
not remember everything, I took a sheet of 
note paper on which I pencilled down the 
jottings of her last " Testament." After she 
had " willed" the few dollars she had saved, — 
part for Masses, and part for her mother in 



98 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Ireland, — she directed me to give her chain 

and locket to Nellie C ; and sliding a 

gold ring off her finger, " Father," said she, 

" give this to Mary M ; tell her to wear 

it, and pray for me." Her Prayer-book was 
to be placed near her head, and her Beads in 
her bands, before she was to be encomned. 

A strange feeling crept over me as I noted 
these trifles. It was the poorest "will " I ever 
indited — and yet, I felt it all the more sacred 
to execute. Unlike the stocks and deeds of 
the wealthy, that only forestall so many im- 
possible, if not sinful obligations, this young 
maiden's inventory revealed a heart full of 
Faith, Friendship and Love. Before she felt 
herself worthy to face God, she wished to di- 
vest herself of the few baubles poverty had 
thrown in her way ; and taking only the two 
emblems of her religion, she felt as though 
she was fully equipped for the journey of 
eternity. 

Were we permitted to cast a glimpse over 
the Angel's great record of " Good and Evil," 
I doubt not but this girl carried from her 
humble pallet a greater wealth of sterling vir- 
tues than those mighty aristocrats who, when 
dying, were mirrored in plated glass and sur- 
rounded by artificial firmaments of blazing 
lights and golden tapestry. This young fe- 
male was but a type of her class. The truest. 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER. 99 

the purest, the most faithful specimens of 
womanhood that ever crossed from the shores 
of Europe, are the Irish servant girls of Amer- 
ica. Women in the various other walks of 
life have their "ups" and "downs"; while 
some lose courage and fall, others, spurning 
the smiles and frowns of fortune, remain true 
and faithful ; but the Irish servant girls have 
always been a class of staunch Catholics. For 
an honest penny, any one of them will stoop 
to clean the marble steps of her master's door, 
but not for all the gold and bonds in his safe 
would she allow him to take her hand or kiss 
her cheek. These girls are the militant van- 
guard of the christian army. Although con- 
tinually exposed to the votaries of Lust, In- 
temperance, and Atheism, yet they remain as 
pure as God made them. Let fashionable 
maidens and opulent matrons — yes, let even 
the toilsome housewife hold back. Their ex- 
posure, temptations and privations, are incon- 
siderate when we come to think what these 
faithful servants have to see, hear and suffer. 
Honor, then, to those Handmaids who fast 
while others feast, and who worship and pray 
in the midst of Paganism and profligacy ! 

In my travels through the South, I often 
met Irish men and women whom riches, or 
long exposure to Protestant society, led to ig- 
nore the faith of their Fatherland — even good 



100 ' HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Catholics would sometimes feel ashamed to 
recognize a Priest in a Protestant community. 
But the Irish servant girl, to my knowledge, 
was never ashamed to salute " the Priest/' or. 
acknowledge her faith. On the contrary, she 
felt as though the very room which the Priest 
or Bishop occupied in the hotel, was made 
sacred by his presence : and often, by the 
simple act of placing wild flowers, or choice 
fruit on the centre-table : or as she knelt at 
his feet for a blessing, revealed the little Irish 
world of faith and affection that dwelt in her 
heart. 

When I stated that Priests were sometimes 
bound in Charity to take charge of money, 
jewelry, deeds, &c, of the departed, I should 
also have added the occasional necessity 'of 
his writing out a last " will" or "testament," 
and the advisability of his becoming guardian 
for children having k> means.'' but bereft of 
friends. 

For several months after the Fevers of '73 
and '78, the pastors of Memphis had to be 
almost every week in court ; some with ap- 
plications to become Guardians or Adminis- 
trators: others appeared as testamentary wit- 
nesses, or the representatives of minors whose 
property was mortgaged or claimed by alleged 
creditors. This, of all the Priest's duties, is 
the most undesirable. For the benefit of 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER. 101 

vounger brethren in the ministry, \ would 
state that, unless where Justice or Charity 
make it obligatory, a Priest should never as- 
sume the responsibility of "guardian" or 
" executor." 1 would willingly undergo the 
labors of another Epidemic, rather than be 
repeatedly summoned to court, obliged to 
swear to all " audits," " outlays," and "depos- 
its ;" besides, procuring bondsmen, and often 
incurring the grudge or suspicion of the rela- 
tives and friends of the parties concerned. 
However, as some very serious difficulties oc- 
curred after the Fever, in regard to "wills" 
not properly attested or illegally drawn out, 
every clergyman should know how to write 
one, or at least have a copy of a legal "form," 
in order to preclude the possibility of future 
litigation. 

As I have heretofore related several in- 
stances of heroism and self-sacrifice on the 
part of the laity, I trust it will not be out of 
place to relate an instance or two concerning 
the clergy in their devotion to their sacred 
calling and the cause of suffering human- 
ity. 

Of the Priests who died in '73, I have al- 
ready stated, four belonged to the " Order" of 
St. Dominic, and one to that of St. Francis. 
The Provincial of the Dominican "Order" 
keenly felt the loss of such young and prom- 



102 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

ising men. Still, having a house of his " ( >r- 
der" in Memphis, he felt it a duty incumbent 
upon him to fill up all vacancies. 

FATHER J. I). SHEEHY, O. P. 

During the autumn of 73, there was a ven- 
erable ex-Dominican Priest, named Father 

J , residing in Nashville. He wore a 

long white beard, and was in appearance a 
veritable Patriarch. The good Father had 
already reached in years the scriptural term, 
threescore -and -ten. Although I will not 
vouch its accuracy, at all events, this story 
I heard repeatedly : and it occasioned a good 
deal of mirth amongst the clergy living at 
the time. After the deaths of Fathers Gary, 
and O'Brien, the Provincial wrote to this old 
gentleman (according to the story), asking 
him if he would not be willing to leave Nash- 
ville and go to Memphis. The poor old man, 
having gleaned the contents of this ominous 
missive, with tear-fraught eyes, handed the 
letter to the Bishop. Archbishop P. A. Fee- 
han, being then Bishop of Nashville, and the 
soul of kindness himself, naturally smiled at 
what rather seemed a joke, than a serious re- 
quest. The old Priest, being very deaf, leaned 
over to hear the Bishop confirm his death- 
warrant. In his loudest effort, the Bishop 
said. •• Don't mind. Father J ." " Must I 



p. 103 

go?" asked the deaf man. "No! Remain 
with me for the present," was the kind reply. 
It was wise of the Bishop not to send this old 
man. Being enfeebled by age, and incurably 
deaf, he could be of little or no assistance to 
the Yellow Fever sufferers. Besides, this 
good Priest had already served a "golden 
Jubilee'' in the Ministry, and was one of the 
leading "Pioneers" of old Kentucky. 

The story goes on to say that the Bishop 
wrote to the Provincial, and intimated that, 
unless he could find some younger and more 
useful Priest to send to Memphis, he would 
be obliged to provide one himself. Accord- 
ingly, the Provincial sent word to Louisville, 
where there was a branch house of the " < )r- 
der." The Prior of this convent did not wish 
to command, or rather pass sentence of sure 
and speedy death on any of his brother 
Priests. He simply suggested that all should 
draw lots. If our Lord himself was agonized 
at the approach of death, we may naturally 
suppose that it was with tremulous hands, 
each slowly drew the straw which was to de- 
cide his mortal destiny. But when all had 
drawn — who held the fatal straw? Was it a 
young and vigorous man, or some enfeebled 

veteran, like Father J ? My informant 

assured me it was the oldest Priest in the 
community that was the unfortunate prize- 



104 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

taker. In a moment, this Patriarch made up 
his mind to face the battle. But he was mis- 
taken, if he supposed for a moment that he 
would be allowed to go. From the ranks of 
the young Priests there stepped forward one 
of nature's noblemen, with as true a heart as 
ever beat within a martyr's breast. " Father 

C , you shall not go" he said. "I will 

take your place." He then besought the 
Prior's permission, and took the train for 
Memphis that very evening. 

A few days after, I saw that young Priest 
on his sick bed, prostrated with Fever. The 
"Fathers," the week previous, had just moved 
into their new convent. Although having 

some thirty rooms, Father S was the only 

occupant of the building. His brother Priest, 
Father Kelly (since dead), was at the time 
engaged attending sick calls. The sick Priest 
told me he was hungry, and that he would 
be glad to have some soup. My first thought 
was to request the Dominican Sisters to attend 
him from La Salette Academy ; but I soon 
learned that they were nearly all stricken 
down, and had not sufficient attendance them- 
selves. I then applied to a rich Catholic lady 
who lived next door. This ever-good and 
generous woman promised to do, and did, 
all in her power, but it would seem her ser- 
vices were too late. The good Priest must 



FATHER J. D. SHEEHY, O. P. 105 

have been several hours without medicine, 
food or drink. Two days after, myself and a 
brother Priest called to see our patient, Father 
Sheehy. He did not sit up this time to greet 
us with his genial smile and firm grasp of 
the hand. No ! The good Priest was dead. 
His face was calm, as the rays of the sun 
beamed over it, while his lips and teeth were 
stained with blood. He seemed as though 
lie had come out of a bloody battle, after 
heaving, a last sigh of relief and final vic- 
tory. 

Alban Butler, in his lives of the Saints, 
relates many touching and edifying exam- 
ples of the faith and christian heroism of the 
martyrs of the primitive church, but the self- 
sacrificing Priest that lay on his cold and neg- 
lected bed that morning, — far away from par- 
ents and friends — deserves, I verily believe, 
to be classified anion 2; the foremost martyr- 
heroes of heaven. A thousand miles away, 
in New England, this Priest had a host of 
relatives and friends (Newport and Provi- 
dence), who mourned his untimely death, 
and who now venerate all that is left to 
them — his picture in crayon and canvas. He 
was born in the parish of Graignamana. Co. 
Kilkenny, Ireland, in, the year 1834; died 
Oct. 17, 1873; 



106 ' HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

DR. LUKE BLACKBURNE. 

In the autumn of '73, Dr. Luke Black- 
burne, then a physician of Louisville, but 
afterwards Governor of Kentucky, volun- 
teered his services to aid the sufferers of 
Memphis during the Yellow Fever epidemic. 
He adopted homoeopathy in his treatment, 
and to his credit, it must he said, he was re- 
markably successful. Although a Protestant, 
it is further due to him to say that, of all the 
physicians of Memphis, he was the only one 
who offered to perform the Cesarean opera- 
tion, in order that baptism might be admin- 
istered to the unborn infant, when the mother 
was dead or in a desperate condition. 

Although I only remember to have called 
the Doctor to one case of this kind, his "will- 
ingness " is worthy of Catholic recognition, es- 
pecially when contrasted with the squeamish 
conduct of physicians, who, either positively 
refused, or ignored such a christian obligation. 
And here I make bold to state that, during 
and after the Fever, unborn infants might 
have been not only validly baptized, but arti- 
ficially brought to the world, if physicians 
had, what few seemed to have, a christian 
conscience. Their shallow sympathy in favor 
of the mother often led them to deprive a hu- 
man being of that dual life which God des- 



DR. LUKE BLACKBURNE. 107 

tined for it. We need not recur to the case 
of Caesar, born after the death of his mother; 
the medical works of these professionals clear- 
ly demonstrate, not only the possibility, but, 
frequently, the feasibility of this operation. 
For this reason, I wish to call attention to 
the " large-mindedness " of Dr. Blackburne, 
as also to his philanthropy, which was not 
always confined to marble halls and telephone 
calls. Although I may have occasion to give 
him a few after "touches" of criticism, before 
I wind up his medical merits, I must say he 
never flinched from the calls of the poor and 
needy. At his invitation, I often travelled 
with him in his buggy through the different 
wards of North Memphis. Once, I had occa- 
sion to witness his •'caning" dexterity. In 
one of the leading drug stores on Main street, 
he saw a gentleman whom he recognized, a 
rival physician. He directly accused him of 
disregarding the rules of medical courtesy, by 
interfering with his practice. Not receiving 
satisfactory answers, with his cane, he bela- 
bored his opponent on the head and shoul- 
ders. He challenged him to produce a di- 
ploma, and denied that he ever received one. 
and ended by saying he was nothing more 
than an old " Preacher." 

Whatever might be said for or against Dr. 
Blackburne's botanic knowledge of physics. 



108 - HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

his physical ability, in this case, was beyond 
question. Amongst the Doctor's many pa- 
tients were a family of the name of Sullivan. 
The entire household (twelve,) took the Fe- 
ver. They all died except one little girl 
about ten years old. The Doctor, it would 
seem, saw this a grand occasion to surprise 
his many friends in Louisville, as, also, a liv- 
ing advertisement of his heroism and philan- 
thropy in Memphis. Accordingly, he told 
little Mary Sullivan, for that was the child's 
name, that he was going to buy her some fine 
dresses, and take her with him to Louis- 
ville. Although I do not distinctly remem- 
ber whether the Doctor made the flattering 
promise, at all events, it was the general gos- 
sip in the neighborhood that Mary was to be 
brought up a lady ; sent to a first-class board- 
ing school, and decently portioned for life. 
One of the girl's relatives told me the child 
was preparing to leave, and that the Doctor 
had already ordered her some very nice dress- 
es. As Doctor Blackburne had been hereto- 
fore a comparative stranger to me, I forbade 
the child to leave until I could ascertain a 
certainty of his respectability. Although the 
pitiless hand of death had taken away all but 
the last one of the Sullivans, still the little 
surviving waif that was to represent the name 
seemed to have inherited all the mettle and 



DR. LUKE BLACKBURNE. 109 

faith of her departed family. When the Doc- 
tor brought hi* buggy to Mary's house, she 
appeared on the stoop and addressed him : — 
"Go away, I shan't go with you. The Priest 
told me he did not know you." The Doctor, 
admiring the child's pluck, in suppressed hi- 
larity, demanded his dresses back again. " No, 
you shan't have them. Who asked you to 
give them?" Seeing there was no chance of 
getting little Mary to leave the city by per- 
suasive or legal means, the Doctor drove down 
to see me in the parsonage. I had, after en- 
quiries, been thoroughly satisfied as to his 
respectability ; however, I told him it was 
only on condition he would send the child 
to a Catholic Seminary, that I would consent 
to let him take her. He agreed to this, and 
took the child to Louisville. The little waif 
was carried around to all his medical and 
merchant friends. Columns of free newspa- 
per notoriety kept the Doctor and his little 
ward before the public eye for several days. 
At last, when sentiment and excitement began 
to wane, the Doctor, according to promise, 
sent little Mary Sullivan to the Sisters of 
Charity, Nazareth Academy. She remained 
there as a first class boarder for five years. 
You are now disposed to consider Dr. Black- 
biirne a noble fellow — well, I think so, too — 
but little Mary Sullivan has a different opin- 



110 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

ion. The last time I met her, six years ago, 
she said, " The old thing never paid the 
poor Sisters a cent for me." " Who clothed 
yon while in the Seminary?" I interposed. 
" Why, the Sisters, Father." Mary was then 
working in a laundry in Nashville, while Dr. 
Luke Blackburn e was Governor of all Ken- 
tucky. 

As the Doctor was most obliging and friend- 
ly to me during the Fever, I do not wish to 
cast any slur on his conduct for not paying 
Miss Sullivan's pension while at Nazareth 
Academy. It would appear there was no def- 
inite agreement on the part of the Doctor to 
pay for her at the Seminary. As a Protestant, 
I suppose he thought it enough to give her in 
charge of the Sisters. In truth, I would never 
consent to let him take the child if I did not 
believe she was to be educated and portioned 
for life. In my anxiety to have the child 
so well provided for, I may have overestima- 
ted the Doctor's promise. At all events, he 
did the child no injustice — recalling an epi- 
taph I once saw on an old tombstone : 

" He did uo barm, nor yet much good, 
And would have been better if he would." 

Besides poor Mary Sullivan, other Yellow 
Fever waifs are scattered throughout various 
parts of the country. Some three or four 
whom I can recall have been sent to their 



DR. LUKE BLACKBURNE. Ill 

grand-parents in Ireland. There are others 
in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Here, 
in Providence, are five accomplished young 
ladies, (Roche,) whose parents had to battle 
with the Fever of '73. Three, (Mary, Annie 
and Maggie), have taken the white veil of the 
Order of Mercy ; while the other two having, 
likely a similar vocation, are studying at Bay 
View Seminary. In the Franciscan Convent, 
Joliet, 111., are two Sisters (nee Foley) whose 
parents died in '73. A few waifs have gone 
astray, and ignored the faith of their fathers, 
but it is consoling to know they were only 
few. The Priests and Sisters were as jealous 
in their care of the living as of the departing 
.souls. The people of Memphis, I must say, 
without any mitigated qualification, would 
be very ungrateful if they ever forget or fail 
to appreciate their labors in these tearful and 
trying days. 

It is true there was, during all the plagues 
that visited Memphis, a society that did much 
good in its own way. The Howards, called 
after a philanthropist of the name, first or- 
ganized themselves as a benevolent associa- 
tion during the summer of '73. Their avowed 
duties were to visit the sick, provide nurses, 
and assist the poor of every creed and color 
while the plague should last. They appealed 
to Masonic fraternities and the country at 



112 • HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

large, and by the funds they received from 
abroad and collected at home, were enabled 
to do a vast amount of good. But here, I 
must say that, as the members of the Howard 
Association were mostly all non-Catholics, the 
poor Irish we-re in too many instances either 
overlooked, or positively refused. Father W. 
Walsh, in page six of his Yellow Fever pam- 
phlet, speaking of the Howards said : " The 
Howard Association (for awhile) honored 
my requisitions for nourishment for those 
sick of the Fever in the city. The citizens 1 
relief gave us hard rations for about one- 
fifth of our people. :|: * * ::: ::: :|: It 
also gave a few boxes of ill-assorted clothing 
and two small supplies of delicacies for the 
sickly." 

I remember, myself, attending a Magdalen 
in a Main street den in '73. (These un- 
fortunate creatures were wofully decimated.) 
While hearing the girl's confession I was in- 
terrupted by the loud steps of a gentleman 
coming up stairs. For obvious reasons I shall 
not state to which Committee or Association 
he belonged. Addressing the lady by name, 
" Miss Lucy, can I do anything for you to- 
day ? " She negatively shook her head. " Do 
you need coal, meat, medicine, nurse, tea?" 
He wound up by asking if there was anything 
in the way of trine he could send her. To 



DR. LUKE BLACKBURNE. 113 

all his questions she motioned a negative re- 
ply. And so well she might. This spotted 
dove slept in a carved walnut couch ; a rich 
Brussels carpet, a piano, and other costly fur- 
niture adorned the room. On the floor lay 
-scattered promiscuously a countless variety of 
bottles. Being somewhat piqued at the un- 
ceremonious interruption, in an angry tone, I 
spoke, in substance : " Since you have enu- 
merated this catalogue of unappreciated dain- 
ties, I wish you would attend to a poor starv- 
ing Irish family in Front street, who has been 
for several days begging your Committees, 
not for the luxuries, but the necessaries of 
life." His reply was sarcastic and very in- 
sulting. I threatened that if he failed, I would 
report his conduct and have it published in 
the daily papers. I went to re-visit this poor 
family next day. My words had effect ; they 
received cart-loads of coal, blankets and pro- 
visions. This, and similar examples, should 
afford a lesson to Catholics never to send 
money during a famine or Fever, except 
through the supervision of the Bishop or 
Pastor. Sending it through, or to Societies 
or self-constituted Committees, no matter of 
what name or initials is, at best but a doubt- 
ful disbursement. In too many cases it never 
reaches the intended object. 



11-1 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

MATTIE STEVESON. 

As the people, after a battle, plague, or pes- 
tilence, are sure to have a hero or a heroine, 
so. after the Fever of 73, the Howards, find- 
ing no special hero amongst themselves, se- 
lected a handsome-faced young lady (a vol- 
unteer nurse) for a Yellow Fever heroine. 
Her name was Mattie Steveson. She left her 
parents in Illinois, to come to Memphis, for 
the purpose of ministering to the wants of the 
sick and poor, if you will, or perhaps for the 
sake of earning ten dollars a day. the wages 
generally given to white nurses at that time. 
The monument raised to her memory in Elm- 
wood cemetery would do honor to the remains 
of a princess. I happened to be in Walthal 
Infirmary the morning she died. A number 
of ladies were busily engaged making floral 
crosses, anchorets, and wreaths to adorn the 
casket. In her hands were placed a fragrant 
bouquet of virgin-white lilies, while all around 
her corpse and casket were strewn a profusion 
of fresh natural flowers. She was evidently 
a heroine, — at least with the Howards. Yet 
there were people in Memphis at the time, 
who considered Miss Steveson quite an ordi- 
nary woman : people who never saw or sur- 
mised anything in her young life or actions 
that would entitle her to this extraordinary 
•• Beatification." 



MATTIE STEVESON. 115 

A respectable merchant of Front street told 
me Mattie nursed himself and wife for five 
days. He was obliged to send her away, for 
the reason she was generally absent when 
most needed, and that, like many of her sex, 
her winsome and best attentions were devoted 
to the looking-glass. But "Nihil de mart "is, 
nisi bene. 11 " Nothing of the dead but what 
is good." We do not grudge this young 
woman the unwonted praise she received 
from the citizens of Memphis, but if chris- 
tian charity bids us speak well, and, when 
possible, hide the faults of the dead, even- 
handed Justice requires that we must not 
exaggerate personal qualities, or mistake com- 
mon-place duty for undaunted heroism. Even 
if Miss Steveson had the desire, I doubt she 
possessed the faculty, while it is certain she 
had not the opportunity of doing anything 
extraordinary. All the patients she attended 
did not exceed five or six, most of whom paid 
her well for her services. This young woman 
did not half the benevolent work of the weak- 
est Dominican or Franciscan Sister. Those 
creatures received no pay for their services, 
and were incessantly working night and day. 
Yet those of them who fell victims were taken 
to their graves, not in a silver-mounted casket, 
like Mattie Steveson, but in some improvised, 
unvarnished box, — no flowers on their sable 



116 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

veils, no stone to mark the place where their 
ashes repose. I do not wish to say or insinu- 
ate there was anything unladylike in her con- 
duct : in fact, she would appear excessively 
genteel — a qualification which is not always 
the best for a sick room. In the room adja- 
cent to that wherein Miss Steveson died, lay 
the lifeless " remains " of a poor Irishwoman, 
who. after nursing and burying her husband 
and three children, volunteered her services 
to the Howard Infirmary. No busy hand- 
maids weaving chaplets cast their shadows in 
the sunlight, which gleamed over her pallid 
features. But this poor woman was neither 
young nor very handsome — two qualifications 
necessary for Masonic or modern beatification. 
This good matron's "remains" were consigned 
to a Potter's grave, while many of the young 
•braves" of Memphis were making love to, 
if not lots of money by, Miss Steveson's pict- 
ure. 

r X DE RTAKER JACK . 

I shall pass over the events of '73, after 
relating one other reminiscence, which I trust 
will compensate for the time and space it shall 
occupy. 

During the Fever of '73, and indeed through 
all the plagues that visited Memphis since it 
rose to be an important city, there was an 



UNDERTAKER JACK. 117 

undertaker in the city, whom I shall only 
designate by his christian name, John, or 
-lack, as he was more familiarly called. It 
is far beneath my purpose to expose this gen- 
tleman to contempt or ridicule. On the con- 
trary, I consider him one of the most genial, 
charitable, and good-natured Irishmen in 
Memphis. It would be well if the Irish 
( latholics of Memphis could boast of many 
such men. If his outward physique is not 
remarkable for any special traits of symme- 
try, he carries within him a big heart, and a 
store of patience, capable of defying any zone 
on the earth's surface. As I had occasion to 
meet this man almost every week for nine 
years, I shall take the liberty of describing 
his appearance, and a few of his peculiari- 
ties. 

While in weight and bulk he was compe- 
tent, in height he was somewhat below the 
average. He wore long, very black whiskers, 
and bushy hair, with a moderate stoop to his 
shoulders. His countenance was severe and 
pale ; in fact, so ghastly pale that it was often 
said Jack drove many a corpse whose face 
and looks would entitle him to " undertake," 
rather than be " undertaken " by this doughty 
little Knight of the "pall." Indeed, I often 
felt a chilly sensation myself, as the hearse 
slowly approached, with Jack, in tall hat 



118 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

and clerical costume, sitting between the 
plumes. Shrouded death is awe-inspiring at 
all times, but it seemed to reach the climax 
of solemnity only when Jack was in " posi- 
tion." If nature ever designed any one for 
this " grave" business, this man unquestiona- 
bly possessed all the sable requisites. Other 
undertakers left no impression as to the Chris- 
tianity or creed of the "departed." From 
their business-like and unceremonious haste, 
it was impossible to distinguish a Christian 
from a Pagan funeral. Jack created a differ- 
ent and definite impression. His face, reveal- 
ing the state of grace and gravity of the dead, 
reminded the mourners that now, indeed, the 
last corporal work of mercy was being sol- 
emnized. In appearance, as well as christian 
profession, Jack was conscientious!}' ortho- 
dox. To his further credit, it must be said, 
that, although professionally engaged with 
those to be consigned to another world, he 
seldom failed to recognize a friend, especially 
an Irishman. From his " elevated" position, 
no gentleman could doff his hat with more 
obsequience, whenever lie passed a Priest or 
( Jatholic Sister on the street. 

Towards the end of the Fever, there was a 
suppressed rumor that not only Jack, but 
several other undertakers who had not half 



UNDERTAKER JACK. 119' 

his patronage, buried several patients alive.* 
I do not consider this remark worthy of seri- 
ous notice ; vet I feel obliged to state, many 
of the deceased were buried too soon after 
death. If we judge from the fact that the 
county undertaker buried 2500 bodies in less 
than ninety days, it is hard to blame them 
for this otherwise profane haste ; and especial- 
ly in those cases where Jack or his profes- 
sional brethren expected to lose, or at most. 
to realize but little profit, it may be consid- 
ered a pardonable exercise of the " craft" if 
they should bend a limb or dislocate a toe. 
During such wholesale carnage, it appeared 
natural to entertain the selfish view that the 
body should fit the coffin, not the coffin the 
body. A shoemaker and tailor differ in the 
fact that they must suit their customers, while 
the customers must suit the undertakers, if 
not, they will soon bring them to a state of 
subordination. In doing this, they are mor- 
ally certain there will be no recrimination on 
the part of those " accommodated." In say- 
ing u morally certain," I leave room for those 
weird stories which speak of the dead as ap- 
pearing entirely dissatisfied with their last 
consignment, and make them appear in the 

* During the Cholera which preceded the Fever of '73 I met an acquaintance, 
whom I saluted, on the street (Winchester), about eight o'clock in the morning. 
About half past twelve I was called to his bedside, where I anointed him. This 
man died of Cholera and was buried before six the evening of the same day. 



120 - HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

darkness of night, and sometimes in broad 
day-light, before the men who neglected to 
give them decent christian interment. No 
matter what pleasantries are related at Jack's 
expense, he is sure to smile and take them in 
good part; he often encourages, and some- 
times tells very good things himself regarding 
some of his posthumous experience. Indeed, 
if all the ludicrous things said of Jack were 
true, it would be hard to recriminate him. at 
least during this awful time, when, to use his 
own words: ''Business was very brisk." 

Before the year 1873 Memphis was remark- 
ably healthy. To the question : " How are 
times?*' Jack would invariably answer: 
"Dull, very dull times." When seventy or 
one hundred " Stiffs " had to be put under 
ground every day, business was considered 
u brisk " in undertaking parlance. The Priest- 
attached to St. Bridget's Church in 1873 had 
each an average of one hundred sick calls 
a day. Of these, 90 per cent fell victims 
during the first month or six weeks. During 
such wholesale slaughter it would be hard to 
censure Jack if he tolerated or connived at a 
little unceremonious manipulation in his pro- 
fession. It is done in every trade, and per- 
haps no one knows better than Jack himself 
that the craft practised on the living does far 
greater violence to humanity than any " after 



UNDERTAKER JACK. 121 

touch" of his economy. Jack was not only 
a necrologist, but was even brave and chari- 
table. 

The parents of a family named H died 

during the rage of the Fever (in '73). They 
left five children. Whenever such cases oc- 
curred, the Priests or Sisters had to look after 
the children immediately, lest they should be 
sent to the Protestant Asylums, or taken away 
by parties from whom they could not be again 
recovered. Such disposition of children after 
the demise of the parents explains, to some 
extent, the fact of Methodist, Baptist and 
Episcopal ministers in the South having such 
Celtic names as Hickey, Murphy, McAvoy, 
etc. In '73, there was an Episcopal minister 
by the name of Patrick O'Neil, living in Cov- 
ington, Tenn. ; and in Osceola, Arkansas, a 
Baptist preacher by name Thomas Quinn.* 
One or two years for children in a Protestant 
orphanage, or with a Protestant family, will 
suffice to jeopardize their faith ; while in too 
many instances apostate men and women 
have lost the faith in this way. Returning 
to the H children. While I was en- 
deavoring to bring them together, in order 
to send them to the Sisters' orphan asylum, 
some disreputable persons living in the rear 

*In 1S86, there was in Memphis a minister (Chiistian) named Rev. <t. W. 
Sweeney. 



122 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

part of the house concealed the two larger 
girls. As I entered the house, where I sup- 
posed they were secreted, a vicious look- 
ing man and two young girls impeded my 
approach. One of the latter, holding a fence 
lath, declared with an oath she would have 
my life if I advanced one step farther. Hav- 
ing no desire to test her " fencing " ability, I 
considered it prudent to leave the premises, 
but with a firm determination to rescue the 
children before they would spend one night 
where they were. During my search for the 
children, an immense crowd was attracted to 
the scene, not one of whom, however, at- 
tempted to interfere. At a distance, I de- 
scried Jack, with his iron-gray and natty 
buggy. I motioned him to come up. Ad- 
vancing, he drove at a furious speed, think- 
ing, perhaps, he had another corpse. I ex- 
plained how things were, and told him to 
drive up town and bring a policeman. He 
jumped into his buggy and started immedi- 
ately. He had gone about six blocks when 
he returned in an awful heat of excitement. 
As he had an impediment in his speech, it 
took him a few seconds to distinctly articu- 
late. " Fa-Fa-Father, I fo-fo-forgot— I, I, 
I'm an Alderman — have the pow-pow-power 
of a policeman ; what do you want me to 
do?" "To break or force that door open." 



"' "UNDERTAKER JACK. 123 

The little man took hold of an axe and gave 
the door one vigorous blow that smashed it 
open in splinters. He defied the virago, se- 
cured the children, and did meritorious work 
that day. With the boys of the City Council, 
the joke was that Jack had gone six blocks 
before he ever remembered he was an Alder- 
man. Would that every Alderman made 
such good use of his municipal prerogatives 
as Jack ! 




The Yellow Fever Scourge 



OF 18 7 8. 



Only a few months had elapsed since the 
Fever of '73, when the people began to take 
courage. Trade, commerce, and labor seemed 
to have gained their former prestige. Real 
estate and stocks not only appeared to have 
outlived, but really to have attained more 
stability after their recent depression. Whole 
blocks that were labelled "For Sale," "For 
Rent," were now crowded with mercantile 
goods of every description. Every consecu- 
tive year saw the erection of scores, if not 
hundreds of private residences, stores, and 
warehouses. The clamorous noise of the 
foundry ; the hissing and boom of the cot- 
ton-press ; the shrill or hoarse scream of the 
locomotive or steamboat, showed the city was 
alive to business of every department. Cot- 
ton bales, piled mountains high on either side 
of the principal thoroughfares — Front, Main, 
Second streets — sometimes almost a mile in 
length, showed that the farmer was not idle 

in his contribution to the wealth of Memphis. 

11 * 



126 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

The churches, too. were in keeping with the 
progress of the times. A neAV and splendid 
edifice was erected for the Catholics of Fort 
Pickering by the energy of Rev. A. Luiselli, 
a devoted Priest, who did noble work during 
the late epidemic. Towards" the spring of '78, 
Memphis was not merely convalescent, but 
appeared almost entirely recuperated from 
her ancient disasters. But Providence, it 
seems, had not yet laid aside the " chasten- 
ing rod." At the very time when the people 
began to regard " Fever" as an irrevocable 
spectre of the past, it stalked forth a dread 
reality. Those citizens who thought God had 
ceased to visit them in wrath, found they were 
wofully mistaken. If old wiseacres attrib- 
uted the wrath of God in '73 to the shameful 
and Godless celebration of Mardi Gras, they 
were in a hopeless quandary now. since this 
Pagan custom had been long since abolished. 
If the Fever of '73 were sometimes called a 
plague, that of '7.8 was a veritable scourge. 
Father Wm. Walsh, in his pamphlet of '78, 
writing for aid to the various temperance 
unions of America, describes the condition 
of affairs: " Out of a population of 45,000 
or 50,000 inhabitants, 35,000 or 40,000 have 
fled for their lives when the plague broke out. 
Of the 8,000 or 10,000 who remained, over 
7.<HH > are reported as having been stricken 



THE SCOURGE OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 127 

down by the Fever. The county undertaker 
has a registry of 2,500 burials by himself 
alone. * * :;: The bravest and noblest of 
every rank were being daily stricken down, 
and their remains hurriedly carried away to 
the various cemeteries or the Potter's field. 
Those of us whom God was pleased to spare, 
in order to administer to the wants of the 
sick, the needy, and the dead, had to witness 
scenes which pen cannot describe, and to un- 
dergo labors which, on some occasions at least, 
might be considered superhuman. Among 
our Sisters and Priests, the Fever made great 
havoc. Almost a score of Sisters died. Of 
the Priests who were in the city when the 
Fever broke out, only three of us escaped. 
* * * * Physicians and nurses, as yet, 
know no specific remedy for Yellow Fever 
patients. It is a fact that, wherever the dis- 
ease was directly attacked by the powers of 
medicine, the life of the patient was directly 
attacked." This prolonged quotation gives 
the views of a young Priest, who was most 
active, and who has attended, if not more, at 
least as many, patients as any of the clergy 
that lived through the Fever that year. 

As the late Rev. A. J. Ryan, deservedly 
called the Poet-Priest of the South, for his un- 
flinching adhesion to the "Southern Cause," 
had been a special favorite with the people of 



128 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

Memphis, to whom, in one of his last lectures, 
he said, "We fought for our 'rights, 1 and we 
were right," I presume his poem on the Yel- 
low Fever Epidemic of 1878 will be read with 
interest. 

Purer than thy own white snow, 

Nobler than thy mountain's height ; 
Deeper than the ocean's now, 

Stronger than thy own proud might : 
Oh ! Northland to thy sisterland, 
Was late thy Mercy's generous deed and grand. 

Nigh twice ten years the sword was sheathed ; 

Its mist of green o'er battle plain 
For nigh two decades spriDg had breathed ; 

And yet the crimson life-blood stain 
From passive swards had never paled, 
Nor fields, where all were brave and some had failed. 

Between the Northland, bride of snow, 
And Southland, brightest sun's fair bride, 

Swept, deepening ever in its flow, 
The stormy wake, in war's dark tide : 

No hand might clasp across the tears, 

And blood and anguish of four deathless years. 

When summer, like a rose in bloom, 

Had blossomed from the bud of spring, 
Oh ! who could deem the dews of doom 

Upon the blushing lips could cling ? 
And who could believe its fragrant light 
Would e'er be freighted with the breath of blight ? 

Yet o'er the Southland crept the spell, 
That e'en from out its brightness spread ; 

And prostrate, powerless, she fell, 
Rachel like, amid her dead. 

Her bravest, fairest, purest, best, 

The waiting grave would welcome as its guest. 



THE SCOURGE OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 129 

The Northland, strong in love, and great, 

Forgot the stormy days of strife ; 
Forgot that souls, with dreams of hate, 

Or unforgiveness, e'er were rife 
Forgotten was each thought, and hushed ; 
Save— she was generous, and her foe was crushed. 

No hand might clasp from land to land ; 

Yea, there was one to bridge the tide, 
For at the touch of Mercy's hand, 

The North and South stood side by side : 
The bride of snow, the bride of sun, 
In charity's espousals are made one. 

" Thou givest back my sons again/' 

The Southland to the Northland cries ; 
" For all my dead on battle plain 

Thou biddest my dying now uprise : 
I still my sobs, I cease my tears, 
And thou hast recompensed my anguished years " 

Blessings on thine every wave ; 

Blessings on thine every shore ; 
Blessings that from sorrow save, 

Blessings giving more and more, 
For all thou gavest thy sisterland, 
Oh ! Northland, in thy generous deed, and grand. 

The virulency Fever of '78, from the death 
of Butler P. Anderson* (29th of August). 
prevailed until the end of November, '79. 
Mr. Pat. Ryan, sexton of St Bridget's church, 
and his cousin, Mr. P. Mackey, after an 
absence of three months, returned to the 
city, when both took the Fever and died 21st 
November. The Fever had already taken 
hold during the latter part of July, and was 

*Keating's Yellow Fever History states that Mrs. Zack died of Fever on the 
5th of August, and her brother-in-law also; Mrs. Bionda died Aug. 13, '78. 



130 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

actually raging towards the middle of August, 
yet the Board of Health were loath to admit, 
and the city papers failed to announce the 
presence of Yellow Fever. 958 deaths, ac- 
cording to the Memphis Appeal of August, '78, 
had already occurred within the city limits 
before the Board of Health officially an- 
nounced the Fever epidemic. Great God ! 
I well remember the panic that almost crazed 
the populace the morning it was first an- 
nounced in the papers. Men, women, and 
children, in wagons, street cars and carriages, 
all dashing through the streets on their way 
to the various railway depots and steamboat 
landings ! The platforms of the L. & N. ; the 
M. £ G; the Mem. & Tenn., and the Little 
Bock depots, were covered with mountains 
of trunks, boxes, and other portable furni- 
ture. All the trains that could be had were 
called into immediate action. In the short 
space of three clays not less than thirty thous- 
and people fled the city, going North, East, 
AYest — wherever they had friends — anywhere, 
from the ravages and reach of the Scourge. 
Each train had generally from fifteen to twen- 
ty passenger coaches attached. On some oc- 
casions, three locomotives were in requisition, 
two in front, and one in the rear, carrying 
their loads of human freight. All this is not 
hearsay, but facts witnessed by my own eyes. 



THE SCOURGE OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 131 

The cars, during the exodus, were so crowded 
that several women and children fainted 
from pressure and exhaustion. Some were 
bruised or suffocated beyond recovery. In 
two or three instances a conductor assured 
me that mothers, while in the cars, gave birth 
to premature babes. Drink and provisions 
were nowhere to be obtained. As a train 
stopped before a tank to take water, (Hum- 
boldt) a young man jumped off the train and 
succeeded in bringing a bucket of water. The 
thirst was so great that he readily received a 
dollar for every glass he was willing to dis- 
pense. Even at this price, hundreds failed to 
get it. Father O'Brien, at present residing in 
Chicago, assured me that he did not taste a 
morsel of food or drink for twelve hours he 
was in the train. Even then, in response to 
a telegram addressed to a friend on the road, 
he only succeeded in getting a few crusts of 
bread and a glass of water, while the train 
took water at the tank. No train was allowed 
to stop at any station nearer than Louisville,. 
396 miles. Even there, the trains were obliged 
to remain some considerable distance outside 
the city limits. The smaller towns on the 
different railroads for two hundred miles out- 
side Memphis, and a similar distance above 
and below Memphis on the river, were so 
strict in quarantine regulations that pickets, 



132 - HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

cordoned all round each town, had imperative 
orders to prevent all men, women and 'chil- 
dren from entering their corporation limits. 
In case any one violated their remonstrance, 
they were empowered to shoot him dead. A 
Lady, after walking from Humboldt to Jack- 
son (19 miles), encountered the pickets as she 
approached the latter city. They ordered her 
back under penalty of death. The poor wo- 
man was obliged to retrace her steps ; a few 
days after, she was found dead near the rail- 
road. On another occasion while the train 
stopped to take water at Humboldt, an Irish 
school-teacher, (just landed from Ireland) got 
off the train. He had to walk eleven miles 
to Milan, the next station. Here, the Fever 
that must have been in his system, developed. 
He was taken outside the town, and put into 
a freight box-car, where he was left to die, 
and where he actually perished, either from 
starvation or disease, no human being having 
courage enough to approach him. In fact, it 
was a mortal risk for any one to visit him. 

A Priest who called on a number of Fever 
patients at Grand Junction, was shunned as 
if he were an evil spirit. He found it the 
most difficult task to obtain a little bread 
and some milk. As the train did not leave 
till next day he was obliged to sleep under 
the Sanctuary carpet, although the night, 



THE SCOURGE OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 133 

(November) was very cold. City guards, 
Preachers, and Inkeepers, all gave him a 
wide berth as he approached. This same 
Priest gave another awful scare to the citi- 
zens of an adjacent town. A brother Priest 
called to see him on his return from Mem- 
phis. After tw r o days' sojourn, a virulent case 
of small pox developed in the person of his 
guest. All at once the city got into a blaze 
of excitement. Two policeman were stationed 
at the door on guard, day and night. The 
Protestant element demanded that the young 
Priest should be taken outside the city limits. 
The Catholics would not consent. This oc- 
curred in Jackson, Term. The meat, bread, 
vegetables and medicines required were cau- 
tiously laid on the front door-steps. The poor 
Priest, Father John Walsh, died. After his 
death the parsonage was almost entirely de- 
pleted — carpets, bed, bedding, — all destroyed, 
without any remuneration for their loss. A 
neighboring resident further assured me they 
even broke and burnt his stove. This city- 
scaring Priest, to whom I have recently refer- 
red, owing to ill health has left the diocese of 
Nashville, and is now the Pastor of a flourish- 
ing parish in Lake View, Chicago, (Father P. 
O'Brien.) 

Although this last narration is a digression 
from the subject of Yellow Fever, I thought 



134 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

it would be interesting in so far as it shows 
how excitable and scary the Southern coun- 
try people are, especially when an emissary 
of the Pope is in the vicinage. But while 
cholera and small pox have terrors for the 
young, and especially the beautiful, the weird 
and ghastly presence of Yellow Fever is 
shunned alike by young and old, "white" 
and " colored." 

THE MUCH-ABUSED, BUT VERY SENSIBLE IRISH- 



I remember staying over night at a hotel 
in a village called Brownsville, sixty miles 
from Memphis. The famous railroad con- 
tractor, John D was also there at the 

time. It was then I brought him the sad 
news of the death of his wife, who, with her 
children had taken the Fever. John was 
singled out by the papers and the citizens of 
Memphis at large, as being a heartless coward 
for not going in to see his dying wife and 
sick children. I would undertake to apolo- 
gize for John's action at the time. In the 
first place, as he tearfully admitted to my- 
self, he could do them no good. Then again 
in the event of his children surviving (they 
did survive) his going to Memphis would 
deprive them of a father in addition to the 
loss they had already sustained. Yellow 



THE MUCH-ABUSED IRISHMAN. 135 

Fever had an insatiate rapacity for such gi- 
ants ; and John, who with his keen eye could 
grade a railroad bed or securely fasten a cross 
tie, saw this patent fact. Take his dilemma 
into calm consideration. One horn pointed 
to his dying wife and three children in Mem- 
phis ; the other, which was John's favorite, 
pointed to himself, still a young and healthy 
man, in the enjoyment of wealth and security 
in Brownsville. A greater man than John — 
Hamlet — after debating a long time with 
himself, decided that "To be" was better 
than "not to be." If John went to Memphis 
that time and died he would get a great deal 
of free newspaper notoriety and, perhaps, be 
immortalized as a hero. But, like a wise 
man, he feared that perhaps he would not be 
in a position to read those accounts with any 
zest of social enjoyment. This good man con- 
cluded it was better to keep away from the 
worms as long as he could. Good reader, 
which side would common sense and pru- 
dence dictate to yourself? 

There is, I admit, a good deal of daring re- 
solve to be seen among quadrupeds ; but take 
the average biped, especially that individual 
called man, and I warrant you will find him 
if not nervously cautious, at least exceedingly 
careful when old grim death is taking his in- 
ventory. Positive facts are stubborn things 



136 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

in Mr. 1) 's favor. Had he gone to Mem- 
phis during the fair autumn of '78, he would 
have been a negative creature for the past 
seven years. Worse than that — his children, 
whom he lias ever since decently supported 
and educated, would be homeless — perhaps 
penniless waifs. 

The young wives and sentimental ladies of 
Memphis all said John was a big coward. 
Making no objection to their estimation of 
his avoirdupois or cubic dimensions, (he was 
about six feet three in height and about 320 
pounds weight,) I beg these fair ladies to be 
slow in condemning the man. While admit- 
ting there was plenty room for sentiment in 
John, I think he must be credited also for 
having a considerable amount of good solid 
sense. His conduct, I admit, touched the 
keenest part of conjugal nature — the willing- 
ness of the male to die for his mate — but I 
think a married man of sufficient ballast can 
overbear all these things, especially if he has 
a superior object in view. At all events it is 
a question which theologians may decide, 
whether a married man in safe grounds, and 
having a helpless family to support, is bound 
to see (not save) his dying wife and by so do- 
ing incur the risk of almost certain death. 
This was exactly the case of John D in 

8. This poor, or rather rich and respecta- 






THE MUCH-ABUSED IRISHMAN. 137 

ble man, was made the butt of lampoon ; for 
several months after the Fever he dared not 
show his face in Memphis. Even churchmen 
joined in heaping coals of wrath and ridicule 
upon his head. With the ladies, he had no 
quarters at all. Perhaps a careful observer 
might see the tables of sentimentality turned 
against some of themselves in '78. 

I remember seeing an aged widow so bro- 
ken-hearted, so elemented, so bereft at the 
death of her husband that it required four 
men to prevent her from throwing herself into 
the grave just after her husband's coffin was 
deposited. Would you believe? That wom- 
an was married again in three months after ! 
That was an outburst of sentiment from first 
to last. It was Horace who said : "Naturam, 
expellas furcd, tamen usque recurrit" "You 
may turn nature out of doors with violence, 
but she will still return." Not a few of those 
cynic lady-connoisseurs who regarded John 

I) as an untoward monster during the 

month of August, '78, in less than twelve 
months after regarded him as a dear little 
u package" of cardinal virtues. 

Matrons of Memphis, do not take offence, 
for I do not mean to offer it when I say 
that many of you dear good creatures that 
moistened with your briny tears many a silk 
and embroidered handkerchief, mourning for 

12* 



138 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

your "dear departed" husbands, may now be 
occasionally seen in the ottoman-bestrewn 
parlor, or over the modest kitchen range, im- 
printing a soft or savage kiss on the forehead, 
or pointing an index into the dimple of some 
chubby little "cherub" that never saw. or 
will never care to see his dear departed step- 
papa. I have no recrimination for this. I 
would simply console you with a repetition 
of the words of Horace: " Naturam expellas 
furca, tamen usque recurrit." 

EVENTS OF THE FEVER OF '78. 

Having staid over night at a hotel, the 
morning 1 met Mr. Donovan, it leaked out 
that I was a Priest, and had come from Mem- 
phis. When I went to the desk to pay the 
inn-keeper for night's bed and board, he said 
he was sorry, but that he could not furnish 
me a room or allow me to stay any longer in 
the hotel. " Your presence here has ruined 
my house. All the boarders hearing that you 
had come from Memphis, have been leaving 
the house ever since midnight." After this I 
went over to an Irish family named Keeley, 
at whose residence I remained over night. 
The same day that I left Memphis a Miss 
Sullivan also left and staid several days at 
Keeley 's. Keeley and his family took the 
Fever. He died, himself. From them it 



CAMP FATHER MATHEW. 139 

soon spread throughout the entire town and 
carried away some of the best citizens of the 
place. Although I left Memphis at the same 
time, Miss Sullivan was cautiously regarded 
as the individual who brought the Yellow 
Fever to Brownsville. 

I now request the reader to accompany me 
back again to Memphis. In less than one 
week, out of a population of 65,000, there 
remained in the city but 19,600, of whom 
14,000 w r ere negroes. Of these, some eight 
hundred, a Howard encampment, some four 
miles outside the city, on the Hernando road; 
and about four hundred to Camp Father 
Mathew, located on the Hill, Fontaine farm, 
some three miles and a half from the city 
limits. 

CAMP FATHER MATHEW. 

The establishment of this Camp was en- 
tirely due to the zeal and untiring energy of 
Rev. William Walsh. Its officers w T ere mem- 
bers of the Father Mathew ''Temperance As- 
sociation," of which Father Walsh was spirit- 
ual director and President. Although Father 
Walsh, at the time, was but an assistant Priest 
at St. Patrick's, and had received but little 
encouragement in his scheme from the city 
Pastors, yet, on his own responsibility, he 
applied to the Secretary of War in 1 \Yashing- 



140 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

ton for tents and rations for his society and 
people. The Secretary honored his applica- 
tion, and in less than a week he received some 
seventy or eighty tents, capable of sheltering 
about four hundred persons. This Camp was 
a little prohibition city in itself. The use of 
intoxicants was strictly forbidden except as a 
prescribed medicine. Pickets were stationed 
around the Camp, with strict orders forbid- 
ding any one to enter or leave the grounds 
without the expressed permission of the Pres- 
ident. The tents were pitched in such a man- 
ner that they formed streets, named after the 
Sacred Heart, Blessed Virgin, and other tutelar 
Saints, including Father Mathew and Father 
William. There could be no selection of site 
f< >r camp purposes more eligible. In the midst 
•of the farm, covering some two hundred acres, 
there was a boiling spring, surrounded by 
groves of forest trees ; besides, its proximity 
to the city made it very convenient for the 
conveyance of provisions, while its isolation 
from Fever quarters rendered it perfectly safe 
and sanitary. But the most important insti- 
tution of Camp Mathew was the little "Ark," 
wherein Mass was celebrated every morning. 
This Ark is yet intact, although transferred 
to St. Bridget's church. It has been, and 
ever will be, an object of veneration. Its 
cubic dimensions might be figured 10 x 8 x 8 



CAMP FATHER MATHEW. 141 

feet. On the altar stood a beautiful statue of 
the Sacred Heart, The refugees of Camp 
Father Mathew placed entire confidence in 
the Sacred Heart, and to this day attribute 
their deliverance " to its Mercy and Mer- 
its.' 1 

It is, indeed, worthy of particular notice 
that, out of a population of 400 in the Camp, 
only ten died of Fever, and these cases were 
contracted in the city. Dr. Cavenagh, the 
attendant physician (since dead), declared 
that neither medical skill nor camp precau- 
tions, but Providence, saved the people of 
Camp Mathew. A few who left the Camp 
had sad reasons to believe this. Amongst 
the latter, was a noble-hearted fellow named 
Rollins. He had scarcely left the Camp when 
he took the Fever and died. 

Besides the requisite number of sleeping 
tents, the Camp was composed of a commis- 
sary, a butchery, a drug shop, and a kitchen. 
During the sojourn of the Camp, some five 
babes were born, and two marriages took 
place. I had the privilege of solemnizing 
one of these, the contracting parties being Mr. 
Andrew Kelly and Miss Hanna Jones, both 
whose ages at the time would scarcely exceed 
thirty -six years. In order to reach the Camp 
that year, I had to travel by hand-car from 
Shelby to Memphis, a distance of eighteen 



142 .HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

miles. The Camp was mainly supported by 
the voluntary contributions of the Catholics 
throughout the United States. The average 
expenses amounted to $150 a day. During a 
period of ninety days, some thirty thousand 
dollars were received and disbursed to aid the 
camp-refugees, as also the suffering and poor 
of the city. 

PRIESTS WHO DIED OF YELLOW FEVER DURING 
THE EPIDEMICS OF 1873, '78 AND '79. 

As I have not had an opportunity to obtain 
many detailed facts regarding the life of each, 
I trust my account, being entirely the result 
of personal acquaintance, if not cherished 
companionship, will prove interesting. And 
since I have not had an occasion to furnish 
the reader with a summary of the havoc death 
wrought amongst the clergy, I beg to preface 
the following general remarks : Besides some 
fifty Sisters, the diocese of Nashville lost 
twenty-two Priests, of whom twenty-one died 
in Memphis in less than five years. Of these, 
eight were secular, eight Dominican, and five 
Franciscan Fathers. 

The following list gives the names, date of 
•death, and age of each : 

Name. Died. Aged. 

1. Rev. J. R. Daily, O. P Sept. 23, 1873 ...27 

2. Rev. B. V. Oaky, O. P Oct. 7, 1873 ...40 



PRIESTS WHO DIED OF YELLOW FEVER. 14o 

Name. Died. Aged. 

3. Rev. D. A. O'Brien, O. P Oct. 9, 1873 ...42 

4. Rev. J. D. Sheehy, O. P Oct. 17, 1873 ...43 

5. Rev. Father Leo, O. S. F Oct. 17, 1873 . . .45 

6. Rev. Martin Walsh Aug. 29, 1878 . . 40 

7. Rev. J. A. Bokel, O. P Aug. 29, 1878 ...29 

8. Rev. J. R McGaryey, O. P Aug 29, 1878 .. 33 

9. Rev. Michael Meagher Aug. 30, 1878 . . 4(5 

10. Rev. Father Erasmus, O. S. F Aug. 31, 1878 .. 42 

11. Rev. Patrick McNamara Sept 3, 1878 .. 28 

12. Rev. A r . P. Maternus, O. S. F Sept. 9, 1878 . . 35 

13. A^ery Rev. Martin Riordan, V. G. ...Sept. 17, 1878 .. 4<j 

14. Rev. P. J. Scanlon, O. P Sept. 19, 1878 . . .30 

15. Rev. V. B. Yantroostenberg Sept. 19, 1878 35 

16. Rev. J. J. Mooney Sept. 27, 1878 . . -16 

17. Rev. German Father, O. S. F. (Asoius) 1878 

18. Rev. Edward Doyle Sept. 4, 1879 . . . . 4<> 

19. Rev. John Fahey ... Sept. 6, 1879 . . 29 

20. Rev. V. G Ohrysostom Reinike, O. S F. Sept. 9, 1879 ... 39 

21. Rev D. E. Reville, O. P 1879 .. 39 

22. Rev. Patrick Ryan (Chattanooga) 1878. ... 38 

The youngest of these Priests was but 27/ 
and the oldest 50 years. Fourteen of the 
above named Priests were either born in Ire- 
land, or of Irish parents ; six were German, 
one French, and one Belgian. At the out- 
break of the Fever, they all appeared to be 
robust, and remarkably healthy men. In the 
New York Freeman's Journal of '78, it was 
mentioned that, of all the Priests who died in 
Memphis, there was but one who possessed 
more than five dollars at the time of death. 
It is a fact known to the Catholics of Mem- 



144 . HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

phis that the secular clergy neither made nor 
had occasion to make a "will," disposing of 
coin, stocks, or real estate. In fact, the sec- 
ular clergy who died of Fever did not leave 
" means " sufficient to liquidate the moderate 
dry goods and grocery bills that were pre- 
sented to their successors for payment. Vicar 
General M. Riordan and Rev. M. Walsh, who 
had the two largest congregations in Mem- 
phis, did not own the weight of silver that 
covered their eyes in death. 

Father P. McNamara sent me a telegram 
from his death-bed, with a view to settle a 
little monetary account that stood between 
us. Learning that it was impossible for me 
to comply with his request, the poor man 
" willed " me his library to reimburse for the 
" trifle " lie had borrowed. His Breviaries 
are those which I use to this day. When 
( 1 hristmas comes round, I always feel sad to 
read over the title page of the " Nativity " 
these lines in original chirography : "Mag- 
gie wishes her dearest brother many, Oh ! very 
many happy returns of this day." 

I would cause the parishioners of St. Fat- 
rick's to smile were I to to insinuate that 
Father Doyle had money before, or left any 
after his death. I verily believe this Priest 
never laid aside for a future contingency the 
amount of five dollars from the day he Avas 



PRIESTS WHO DIED OP YELLOW FEVER. 145 

ordained until the day he died. As he en- 
tered, so he left the world, with nothing more 
valuable than his honest face and the vest- 
ments that clothed his meagre corpse. Father 
Mooney was the only Priest who had any- 
thing in the shape of greenbacks when he 
was called to give up his life. His estate will 
not excite much avarice when I inform the 
reader that he was but (up to the year of his 
death) Chaplain at the Christian Brothers' 
College, Memphis, having the modest salary 
of three hundred dollars a year. Before his 
death he bequeathed his little treasure, even 
his library, for Masses to be said for his soul 
after death. Father Meagher, who built a 
church in Edgefield that cost over $75,000,, 
left after death no visible property except his 
gold watch and chain and his magnificent 
library. Father Fahey, when abroad, always 
wore an elegant suit of clothes, and at home a 
very neat cassock. If we except about fifty 
volumes and his breviaries, he left nothing- 
else. Mr. Pat. O'Rourke, the redoubtable sex- 
ton of St. Peter's Church, could out-bid not 
only the Priests of Memphis in '78, but the 
whole clergy of the diocese of Nashville. Jn 
tact, he had a monetary claim on St. Patrick's 
church, which neither the Vicar General noi 
the two succeeding pastors found it possible 
to cancel. I trust it will not be taken as a 



146 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

revelation of church secrets to state that Very 
Rev. M. Riorclan owed his niece seven hun- 
dred, and his books show that he had bor- 
rowed two thousand dollars from his sister, 
Mrs. Dr. Cogan, of St. Louis, Mo., which nei- 
ther he nor his two successors could return. 

In mentioning these facts, I disavow the 
purpose of casting odium on the Catholics of 
Memphis. In regard to their contributions 
towards the church, and their support of the 
clergy, they are not second to any people in 
America. When the people suffer the Priests 
must also suffer. When Ave consider the fact 
that several of the best parishioners of Mem- 
phis were swept away by the Fever ; while 
others sold their homesteads and left the city, 
it will not be wondered at that the ^Priests 
not only died but lived Martyrs. 

Although eight years have elapsed, Catho- 
licity in Memphis has not yet recovered from 
the shock of the late Epidemics. Up to the 
year '78 there were always three Priests at- 
tending St. Patrick's, and two St. Bridget's 
Churches. At present, as the Directory will 
show, there is but one Priest at St. Patrick's 
and one at St. Bridget's. 

While detailing the impecunious condition 
of the Memphis clergy, I did not, and do not 
wish to cast obloquy on those Priests who lay 
aside a moderate amount of money for a fu- 



PRIESTS WHO DIED OF YELLOW FEVER. 147 

ture contingency. Old age and sickness can, 
and often does lay a heavy hand on them. 
While children have their parents and hus- 
bands and wives, their mutual resources, the 
disabled or incapacitated Priest has seldom 
any one to offer him a helping hand. Besides, 
he should never be exposed to be anything 
approaching beggary. Considering the trifling 
salary that is allotted to Priests throughout 
Europe and America, I surmise it must be a 
miserly heart that will grudge them the little 
they can save after expenditures for clothing 
and judicious charity offerings. The laborer 
is worthy of his wages, and it is a vengeful sin 
to deprive him of it. A Priest who serves the 
Altar should live by the Altar. A protestant 
Preacher will get from two to five, while some 
receive ten thousand dollars yearly salary. 
Catholics who pretend to be very poor never 
hesitate to call a physician when sickness oc- 
curs. Every visit is generally charged two 
dollars. A book-keeper, grocery, or dry-goods 
clerk, in order to live decently must get at 
least a thousand dollars a year. This is more 
than many a Pastor's income, and assuredly 
no Assistant Pastor in any diocese of Ameri- 
ca receives such a liberal salary. I do vio- 
lence to the dignity of the Priesthood in 
comparing their deserts with the income of 
the above-mentioned professionals. In every 



148 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

sense, physical, moral and intellectual, Priests 
are the foremost body of men in the world. 
A Priest one day in the confessional, effectu- 
ally heals more immoral diseases than a phy- 
sician could do in a lifetime. Besides, in 
educating a young man for the Priesthood, 
the parents and members of the family have 
often to strain their resources before his course 
is completed. In this country, I know several 
Priests whose college pensions were defrayed 
by their poor sisters working in dry goods 
firms, jewelry shops, or factories ; while in 
Ireland, many a decent farmer's child, now 
in penury, would be in competent circum- 
stances, were it not that the parents had to 
give all their saved income to keep their son 
in All-Hallows or Maynooth. Although I 
do not advocate Priests living or dying very 
rich, still, the people should know that they 
have a right to donate or keep what they hon- 
estly earn. 

Asking the reader's pardon for this pro- 
longed departure from the subject, I shall 
now detail a few of the virtues and qualities 
that adorned the life of the Memphis martyrs 
of '78 and '79. 

REV. MICHAEL MEAGHER. 

Rev. Michael Meagher, the son of a respect- 
able country farmer, residing one mile outside 



REV. MICHAEL MEAGHER. 149 

the limits of the town of Roscrea, County Tip- 
perary, Ireland, was born in or about the year 
1832. He completed his theological course 
in Maynooth College, when (having attained 
the highest honors of the Dunboyne estab- 
lishment) he soon after his ordination emi- 
grated to this country. In New York he at- 
tached himself to the " Order " of Jesuits, in 
whose college at Fordham he distinguished 
himself as one of its leading Professors. He 
afterwards left the " Order " and came to 
Nashville, where he found his old friend and 
classmate, Right Rev. P. A. Feehan, Bishop 
of the diocese. Having remained with the 
Bishop at the Cathedral several }^ears, where 
he became most conspicuous for the depth 
and eloquence of his sermons and lectures, 
he subsequently undertook to erect a church 
in East Nashville. As the limits of his new 
parish in Edgefield were not very extensive, 
he found it impossible to complete his gigan- 
tic undertaking by the united efforts of his 
parishioners. As failure was foreign to his 
nature, he resolved to call into action his 
natural resources, as also the generosity of 
his many clerical friends in the North and 
East. His erudite discourses and eloquence 
being known to the many thousands who 
heard him, it will be enough to add that by 

13* 



150 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

his lecturing tour he realized a sum border- 
ing on seventy-five thousand dollars. As the 
church which he intended to erect would cost 
at least f 150,000, it was sad to think the good 
Priest was not permitted to complete the ob- 
ject of his zeal and arduous labors. 

In July, 1878, Father Meagher obtained a 
vacation to spend a few weeks in Memphis, 
with his cousin, Rev. Martin Walsh. While 
there, the Yellow Fever broke out in Mem- 
phis. Having returned from an adjacent 
mission (Covington), I warned Father Meagh- 
er of his danger, and requested him to let me 
take his place. With a cynic smile of disap- 
proval, he answered, " No ; I like to have a 
tussle with Yellow Jack. 11 Like a gallant son 
of Tipperary, he fought till he fell. After 
some three days' sickness, he died on the 
30th of August, 1878. His first cousin, 
Father Walsh, had died in the next room 
a few hours previous. The two affectionate 
cousins are now lying beside each other in 
Calvary cemetery mound. On the gravestone 
over Father Meagher's head are the words, 
" Vixit ut obiit" "He lived as he died." Lit- 
tle did those who heard this physical as well 
as intellectual giant lecture on the previous St. 
Patrick's day, imagine that those eyes, spark- 
ling with patriotic fire, would so soon be 
dimmed and closed forever. The words that 



VERY REV. MARTIN RIORDAN. 151 

fell from his eloquent lips, like those of his 
great namesake, or another Mitchell, burnt 
deep conviction into the hearts of his audi- 
ence. At present, there is a stained glass 
window erected to his memory in St. Bridget's 
church — a well-merited, if not a befitting trib- 
ute to the man who, while he might have left 
without any risk of reputation, preferred to 
die for the people of Memphis. 

After his death, on his person were found 
a steel cincture and wristlets studded with 
iron spikes. These relics are still in the pos- 
session of Rev. William Walsh, present Pastor 
of St. Bridget's church. 

This Priest, although but forty-six years of 
age at the time of his death, was favorably 
known and respected in almost every State 
of the Union. The Rev. Mother Superioress 
of the Ursuline Convent of Providence, as 
also several Priests and prominent merchants 
of New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and 
Montreal, are near relatives of his family. 

VERY REV. MARTIN RIORDAN, V. G. 

Very Rev. M. Riordan was born near the 
city of Queenstown, County Cork, Ireland. 
From the age given at his death (50), he was 
born in the year 1828. He was ordained from 
Maynooth College, County Dublin, for the 
Archdiocese of St. Louis, Mo. When his 



152 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

friend, Rev. P. A. Feehan, was appointed 
Bishop of Nashville, he volunteered to ac- 
company him to his new diocese, where he 
remained till his death, Sept. 17, 1878. 

Bishop Feehan, appreciating his learning 
and talents, appointed him Vicar General of 
the diocese. It was acknowledged by all who 
knew him that he was a clergyman of superior 
knowledge, culture, and financial ability. He 
possessed far more sterling qualities than he 
avowed or professed; while those he imper- 
sonated were superlative. The glow of his 
genial smile ; his kind and ever cheerful 
words, and the deeds of his large and gener- 
ous heart, have not departed with his "re- 
mains.'' With all respect to those who have 
succeeded him, I feel convinced that the soul 
of the late Martin Riordan is the kindred 
and most beloved spirit in St. Patrick's parish 
to this day. Like the Shandon bells of his 
favorite city, the sound of his name is still 
music to the ears of his surviving Hock. If 
his enfeebled health did not permit him as- 
sume all the duties of a zealous pastor, he 
more than compensated, not merely by his 
suave address, and priestly dignity, but in his 
acknowledged excellence in philological lore 
and philosophical profundity. 

During the month of July, '78, Father Ri- 
ordan was absent from the diocese, recuperat- 



VERY REV. MARTIN RIORDAN. 153 

ing his health with some clerical friends in 
the East. Although after a severe attack of 
illness, he came right back to his parish as 
soon as he heard Yellow Fever had appeared 
in Memphis. While in his best health, his 
corpulent frame made it difficult, if not pain- 
ful, to attend the sick, still, he went through 
lanes and alleys, from house to hut and hovel, 
on his godly mission. In this way, his ex- 
hausted strength gave out before he suc- 
cumbed to the Fever. He was nursed to 
convalescence by the Josephite Sisters, when, 
by a fatal exposure in getting out of bed too 
soon, he relapsed, and never left his room 
again. His apparent recovery disappointed 
his many thousand friends in Memphis, who 
hoped and prayed that at least their beloved 
Father Riordan might be spared. Not only 
the parishioners, but the Priests of the dio- 
cese, looked up to this venerable man as a 
kind father and an ever true friend. 

He was passionately devoted to the works 
of Addison, Johnson, Goldsmith and Scott. 
His language from the pulpit was so choice, 
and his knowledge of sacred and profane his- 
tory so extensive, that the elite of the city, 
both Protestant and Catholic, flocked to hear 
him preach. His apprehension of the sub- 
ject so affected his nerves that he could not 
sleep the night previous to his preaching. 



154 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

But from the moment he commenced, his 
words, like those of a Chrysostom, enchained 
the attention of his hearers. His diction was 
so pleasing, and his language so rich, that 
letters of gold would not enhance their beau- 
ty. A distinguished Protestant lawyer de- 
clared he could listen to the music of Father 
Riordan's words when all the fashionable va- 
garies of the choir had ceased to interest him. 
As a profound mathematician, if he had an 
equal, he assuredly had no superior in the 
State. Differential calculus, and abstruse 
problems in geometry seemed to afford him 
more than ordinary recreation. When teach- 
ing and instructing, he was affable and gentle 
as a child ; while in denouncing hypocrisy 
or knavery, he was confessedly sarcastic and 
uncompromising. 

With those who have shaped the faith and 
patriotism of their race — the old Irishwomen 
— Father Riordan was an especial favorite. 
On the eve of all great Festivals, especially 
during the weeks preceding Christmas and 
Easter, they flocked to him from all parts of 
the city and surrounding country, for the 
purpose of " confessing" in Irish. In the 
course of his recreative walks, he was often 
detained in his pleasure to return the salute 
that proceeded from' some silver-crowned 
head, nestled in bordered cap and green rib- 



VERY REV. MARTIN R[ORDAN. 155 

bons. To those who did not understand the 
language (and they were legion), their meet- 
ing and mutual felicitations would authorize 
the belief that a long absent child had just 
returned to re-visit the home of his grand- 
parents. 

His remains are interred within the inner 
circle of the Priests' mound in Calvary Cem- 
etery. If avoirdupois or cubic measure be- 
tokens a generous and great heart, then, I 
verily believe, the biggest and best heart of 
all was enshrined within Father Martin Rior- 
dan's breast. He was nature's nobleman from 
his boots to his biretta. Although it may ap- 
pear out of place, I cannot refrain from in- 
terpolating th verse from Marc Anthony's 
panegyric of Caesar in so far as I consider it 
applicable to the life of Father Riordan. 

" He was the noblest Roman of them all; 

His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nat- 
ure might stand up 
And say to all the world : this was a man." 

On the marble slab placed over the head of 
his grave are inscribed these words — " In as- 
censu Altaris sancti, gloriam dedit sanctitatis 
amictum" — "When he went up to the holy 
altar he honored the vesture of holiness." 



156 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

REV. MARTIN WALSH. 

If Father Martin Walsh did not possess the 
superior talents and extraordinary ability, his 
genial qualities and priestly virtues were not 
second to those that adorned the life of his 
friend and cherished co-laborer, Very Rev. 
M. Riordan. I do not consider it an unguard- 
ed assertion to state that Rev. Martin Walsh 
had more friends than any man or woman 
that ever set foot in Memphis. His manly 
and dignified walk, as elastic as if he had just 
stepped out from his native Roscrea or the 
rock of Cashel, electrified his countrymen as 
he passed their doors. Defiant or boisterous 
Irishmen, whom a score of policemen could 
not disperse, would take to sudden flight at 
the first wave of his blackthorn. At Fairs 
and Pic-Nics, (when such gatherings were 
permitted to aid the church) Father Walsh 
was the man of the people. Every church 
device he sanctioned was sure to be a grand 
success. Father Walsh, with hop, skip and 
jump, would leave a pattern which all might 
imitate, but few, if any, could equal. His 
sonorous peal of laughter, the bright and 
merry twinkle of his eye often opened a mi- 
ser's heart and set risible wrinkles on many a 
melancholy face. Having resided in the same 
house with this Priest for seven years', I do 



REV. MARTIN WALSH. 157 

not hesitate to say, I never knew a more hos- 
pitable man. Every instance of past recol- 
lection leads me to believe that he never al- 
lowed a beggar or a need} 7 person to leave his 
door empty-handed. His manner of relief, 
whether from principle or inherited example, 
was singularly generous, in so far that he 
never offered less than a dollar to any indi- 
gent applicant. Whenever the Mayor of 
Memphis could not assist the poor (and this 
was often the case), the parties were invaria- 
bly directed to Father Walsh. I trust I will 
not incite ungenerous feelings when I express 
my candid belief that more blessings of the 
poor have been pronounced in Father W r alsh's 
parlor and waiting-room than in any other 
parsonage of the diocese of Tennessee — per- 
haps I might include the entire district south 
of Mason and Dixon's line. His house was 
an ever open rendezvous for all city and trav- 
elling Priests. In his mirth and social inter- 
course he never forgot his priestly dignity. 
His sermons and Sunday exhortations, if they 
did not always bring tears, melted the pure 
love of God into the hearts of hearers. 

Father Walsh was born in Bourna, near 
Roscrea, County Tipperary, Ireland. After a 
preparatory classical course at Nenagh ( to 
which place he used to travel daily by the 
famous Bianconi coach) he became affiliated 



158 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

to the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He com- 
pleted his theological course at St. Vincent's 
College, Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he re- 
ceived Holy Orders from the hands of the 
venerable Archbishop Peter Kendrick. After 
the consecration of Right Rev. P. A. Feehan, 
in '65, he left the Archdiocese to become a 
subject of the new diocese of Nashville. 
When the Fever of '78 developed, he was 
then obliged to use crutches, having broken 
his foot by a severe fall from his horse. In 
this pitiable condition he might be seen limp- 
ing from house to house, night and day, till 
he contracted the Fever. He lay sick about 
four days, when on the 29th of August death 
came to his relief. He was then but forty 
years of age, and had heretofore enjoyed ex- 
cellent health. Only three persons besides 
the undertaker attended his burial. Had 
this Priest died at any other time his fu- 
neral procession would probably reach from 
the city limits to the cemetery. His remains 
are now resting at the feet of his old friend, 
Very Rev. M. Riordan, and beside his cousin, 
Father Meagher, in Calvary Cemetery. These 
words are engraved on his tombstone — " Obiit 
utvixit." — "He died as he lived." 

The Bishop of Nashville lost two other 
cherished friends by the Fever. When I say 
" cherished friends " I do not mean favorites. 



REV. PATRICK M C NAMARA. 159 

At least, while he lived in Tennessee, there 
was no such word in the lexicon of Bishop 
P. A. Feehan's Administration. Yon might 
as well cavil at a man for admiring refined 
gold, as taunt him for loving and admiring 
such ingenuous Soggarths as Revs. E. Doyle 
and P. M. McNamara. 

KEV. PATRICK MCNAMARA. 

This young Priest happened to be on the 
street when the scanty funeral of his old com- 
rade, Father M. Walsh, passed by. He turned 
around and looked sadiy after it. He went 
back to his room and never left till he was 
taken out a corpse. He was a native of Lis- 
towel, Co. Kerry, Ireland, and but 28 years 
of age at the time of his death. Being too 
young to receive Holy Orders when he had 
finished his course in All-Hallows, he went to 
St. Sulpice College, Paris, where he reviewed 
his studies while awaiting the time specified 
for ordination. He said his first Mass on 
Trinity Sunday, '73, and arrived in Nashville 
in September of the same year. A friend 
who knew him in Ireland informed me he 
was the youngest child of a family of twelve. 
All his salary and other perquisites he devo- 
ted to the purchase of a library. Accordingly 
at his death, if he had not the largest, he un- 
questionably owned the most select library in 



160 .HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

the State. Some time before the Fever of '78 
he gave a course of lectures in St, Patrick's 
church. I have these yet in my possession. 
Feeling myself incapable of criticising the 
writings of such a profound scholar, I sim- 
ply state the fact that those lectures gave 
more general satisfaction to the Catholics 
and Protestants of Memphis than the many 
that had previously been delivered in Mem- 
phis. When the telegram announcing his 
death was handed to the Bishop he simply 
ejaculated: "A light has been put out." 
Had he lived to develop his talents and the 
education which he received his name and 
fame would extend far beyond the limits of 
Tennessee. His veins appeared to be sur- 
charged with the quickest blood, while his 
broad naked forehead bespoke reserved force 
and latent ability. Besides a brilliant head, 
" Mack," (as we familiarly called him,) had 
as true and generous a heart as ever throbbed 
within an Irish breast. Had I not been for- 
bidden by a Priest who was then my host and 
superior, I would have responded to his last 
telegram begging me to come and see him 
before he died, even though I had to defy 
" quarantine " and risk my life. I never 
loved a brother as I loved this Priest, Those 
of his books that I still retain, I would not 
exchange or part with for any considera- 



REV. EDWARD DOYLE. 161 

tion. When each succeeding Christmas 
comes round, I could wish, with his fond 
sister Maggie, that he had enjoyed many 
happy returns of that day. He died two weeks 
before the pastor, Very Rev. M. Riordan, 4th 
September, 1878. He had the greatest esteem 
for Shakspeare. While elated by some grand 
idea that struck him when preparing his lec- 
tures, he would suddenly stand upon the floor 
of his room and in his bass, eloquent voice, 
declaim some passage from Shakspeare's Ham- 
let— 

" To die — to sleep 
No more ; and by a sleep to say we end 
The heart-aches and the thousand natural shocks 
That flesh is heir to ; — ' t.is a consummation 
Devoutly to be wished." 

When I heard poor Mack declaim these 
lines, the last time, I little dreamt that he 
was so soon "to die — to sleep no more." His 
epitaph bears these words : " Vixit ut dixit. " 
" He lived as he said." 

The mortality reported for the day on 
which he died exceeded two hundred. 

REV. EDWARD DOYLE. 

This Priest was a native of County Carlow. 
He made his preparatory studies in Carlow 
Seminary, and his theological course in All- 
Hallows College, Drumcondra. He was or- 



162 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

dained for the diocese of Nashville, where, as 
Priest, he remained until his death, August 
4, 1879. (His assistant, Father John Fahey, 
died two days after, on the 6th.) Father 
Doyle was but 46 years old at the time of his 
death. In every sense he was a model Priest, 
and a worthy and most efficient man. In 
jocular parlance, the Priests used to say that 
unless Father Doyle died of his own accord, 
death could never take him, for he appeared 
to be as cool-tempered and cold as the grim 
messenger himself. Indeed, his skeleton 
frame seemed to be Fever proof. Although 
of a reticent disposition, he possessed a fund 
of wit and didactic knowledge. Notwith- 
standing he was never heard to laugh outright 
himself, yet by a dry stroke of wit, he could 
set a whole company in roars of laughter. 

The death of this Priest struck me singu- 
larly, and upset a quondam theory that nat- 
ural fear had a great deal to do with the 
death or distemper of the patient. The cool- 
ness of this man's entire life was so unaltera- 
ble, I could believe that if a skeleton arose out 
of its grave, and flitted before him with gnash- 
ing teeth and empty sockets, E. Doyle, or, as 
he was sometimes styled, "Doctor" Doyle, 
would scarcely lift up his head to notice it. 
Dickens depicted no living character removed 
so far away from the promptings of flesh and 



REV. EDWARD DOYLE. 163 

blood as this Priest. After Vicar ( leneral M. 
Riordan died, in '78, the Bishop deputed 
Father Doyle (then pastor at Jackson) to 
take his place. Without a word of inquiry 
or a moment's delay, he at once started foi- 
st. Patrick's church, Memphis. As Father 
Riordan and his assistant, Father McNamara, 
had just died in the parsonage, Father Wil- 
liam Walsh requested him not to remain in 
the city, but to accompany himself to Camp 
Father Mat hew. He refused to comply. So 
long as he was enabled to attend to the spirit- 
ual wants of his people, I am convinced he 
would not cross the street to save himself. I 
do not mean to insinuate he was reckless in 
the exposure of his life. He was too unruf- 
fled for anything like that. He simply cared 
not a whit for the comforts a prolonged life 
could afford. He regarded it his duty to re- 
main where the people could easily reach 
him. No wonder the Bishop loved this true 
and saintly man. 

Although, in the order of seniority, he was 
entitled to a parish long before he was ap- 
pointed pastor, still, the Bishop, knowing his 
usefulness and integrity, retained him at the 
Cathedral as secretary for more than seven 
years. Several months before he died, this 
good Priest assured me he needed not only 
the comforts, but some of the important nee- 



164 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

essaries of life. His retiring disposition for- 
bade him disclose his wants. Some of his 
neighboring parishioners luckily discovered 
his destitute condition, and generously sent 
him a supply of coal, flour, meat, and other 
provisions. Some one may ask how I came 
to know this fact. Having already premised 
that the Rev. gentleman assured me himself, 
I now state, as his successor at St. Patrick's, 
that I was obliged to pay several grocery, 
drug, and dry goods bills, which Father 
Doyle's contracted finances incapacitated him 
to liquidate. After his death, a few pennies, 
and a bunch of keys, which in truth unlocked 
nothing precious, remained the inventory of 
his earthly possessions. 

It will be a summary of his life to state 
that he had not only the sympathy and es- 
teem of the Bishop, but he was a cherished 
friend of every man, woman and child that 
ever regarded his honest, upright face. Those 
who knew him in his native county, where 
his friends are numerous and most respecta- 
ble, as also those who studied with him at 
All-Hallows, will bear me out in this asser- 
tion. " Lux orta est justo," — " Light has arisen 
for the just" — is the motto over his grave. 
After his death, in '79, I felt honored that 
Bishop Feehan should appoint me to succeed 
him. as Pastor of St. Patrick's church. Al- 



REV. J. J. MOONEY. 1G5 

though my assistant prevailed on me to burn 
the bed on which the two previous Assist- 
ants, McNamara and Fahey, died, I loved to 
sleep on that same bed on which the venerable 
Father Riordan, in '78, and Father Doyle, in 
7 79, slept and died. 

REV J. J. MOONKY. 

Rev. J. J. Mooney was a native of the city 
of Dublin, and was ordained for that Arch- 
diocese. After several years' faithful and ef- 
ficient service in his native city, he chose a 
foreign mission and emigrated to this coun- 
try. He was immediately adopted by the 
Bishop of Nashville, in whose diocese he re- 
mained until his death, September 27, 1878. 
Besides performing the duties of Chaplain he 
taught classics and other classes for several 
years, in the Christian Brothers' College, 
Memphis. Before the Fever appeared in '78, 
the Bishop had just recalled him from Mem- 
phis to the Cathedral of Nashville. When 
he heard of so many of his brother clergymen 
falling victims to the plague, he considered 
it providential that he was so seasonably re- 
moved. Fearing the city would soon be left 
without a Priest, the Bishop reluctantly or- 
dered him back again to Memphis. This 
Priest was so certain of his death, that before 
leaving Nashville he wrote his will and dis- 



166 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

posed of his library, ordering a certain num- 
ber of Masses to be said for his soul. In a 
letter to a friend he deposed that he breathed 
the odor of Fever five miles outside Memphis. 
After contracting the disease he was taken to 
an isolated part of Camp Father Mathew, 
where he lived but three days. 

Father James J. Mooney was a straightfor- 
ward and zealous Priest. His retiring and 
reticent disposition won for him the respect 
of the students over whom he was placed, 
and the esteem of the clergy of the diocese. 
His modest demeanor, practical piety, and 
cheerful politeness were not affected or super- 
ficial, but natural. He was a genuine em- 
bodiment of the Irish gentleman. The pierc- 
ing glare of his spectacled eyes, his genteel 
bow and hearty salute when meeting a Priest 
or trusty companion : " My Son, I'm delight- 
ed to see you," were really fascinating. He 
had all the animation and earnestness of a 
Frenchman, not only in the pulpit but in 
ordinary conversation. I never heard, in the 
drawing-room or stage, any one to equal him 
in the faithful rendition of an Irish song or 
ditty. When singing, he virtually transport- 
ed himself back to his native hills, whilst the 
patriotism that was burning in his soul light- 
ed up his countenance, causing the listeners 
to sigh for the ancient Bards and Ballads of 



REV. J. J. MOONEY. 167 

Ireland. He had a thorough knowledge of 
the Irish^ language. I often regretted that my 
most communicative language was English, 
when hearing Father Mooney and Vicar Gen- 
eral Riordan exchange their "*Cead millia 
faltas" with that enthusiastic relish which 
only Gaelic patriots could enjoy. He was 
out-spoken in his denunciations of British 
misrule, and was ever ready to give full vent 
to his political aspirations — " that the Irish 
people had an indefeasible right to govern 
and make laws for their own country. " 
Amongst those whom he considered a with- 
ered branch of obsolete feudalism was the 
entire body of English Lords, while he be- 
lieved that the poorest cabin in his native 
country sheltered a more useful ivoman and a 
better family than the royal house of Hano- 
ver. I verily believe this clergyman, who 
had an important position in the city of Dub- 
lin, and whose family were quite affluent, 
would have never left Ireland if it were not 
for his avowed disgust of British Constabu- 
lary, Soldiery, and estated Shylocks. Of all 
the Priests that were sent to Nashville, I be- 
lieve Father Mooney was the only one who 
did not wish to go to Memphis. His obe- 
dience to the order of the Bishop, on this 
account, deserves especial commendation. 

* A hundred thousand welcomes. See G. Griffin's poem, " The Invasion." 



168 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

After the manner of our Blessed Lord, he 
faced death — "Not my will but thine be done." 
Bis eraori est alterius arbitrio mori" (Syrus.) 
"To die at the command of another is to die 
twice." He was about forty-six years of age 
at the time of his death. His epitaph, " Missus 
nt wronatur" — "He was sent to be crowned," 
— is most befitting. 

FATHER JOHN FAHEY. 

When the Fever of '78 had ceased, the sur- 
viving Priests of the city, and others, went out 
to see the newly-made graves of their departed 
brethren. As all stood around the unbroken 
semi-circle of graves, admiring the magnifi- 
cent marble monument in the centre. Father 
Fahey, nudging Father Doyle, who stood 
beside him, in a jocular mood remarked, — 
" Doctor, there is your place next year, and 
here is mine," pointing to a blooming rose- 
bush that lay at his feet. Poor Father Doyle, 
to whom the world appeared of little conse- 
quence, sniffed a little at this selfish selection. 
These two Priests were the first to die the fol- 
lowing year. Father Doyle died on the 4th, 
and his assistant, Father Fahey, on the 6th 
of August. Their bodies lay side by side, 
while the rose-bush blooms between them. 
Father Fahey was but 29 years old when he 
died. In addition to a handsome, pleasing 



AND OTHERS. 169 

face, he had a large, robust frame, capable 
of defying the rigors of any climate; while 
withal he was a man of culture and marked 
ability. Throughout his arduous missions, 
and in every city where he was stationed, he 
won the esteem and affection of the people. 

He was born at the foot of Slievenamon, 
near Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland, 
and finished his studies in All-Hallows Col- 
lege. His tombstone bears this motto : " Recto 
corde letitia" " Joy with a right heart." 

REVS. J. A. BOKEL, O. P., J. R. MCQARVEY, O. P., 
I). E. REVILLE, O. P., AND OTHERS. 

Of the Religious Priests who died of Fever, I 
regret to state that want of personal acquaint- 
ance renders it impossible for me to furnish 
any interesting facts regarding their lives. 

Father J. A. Bokel, O. P., who died in 78, 
and wdiose uncle was pastor of St. Peter's at 
the time, was but recently ordained when he 
was called to give up his young life for the 
parishioners of St. Peter's. He was but 29 
years at his death. 

Father McGarvey was a co-assistant with 
Father Bokel at St. Peter's. This young 
Irish-American Priest was in the prime of 
life and health when death overtook him, 
Aug. 29, '78, being then only 33 years old. 
He was tall and dignified. While a favorite 



170 . HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

with the older people, the little children of the 
parish almost idolized him. It was a pleas- 
ure to see them recognize him in the streets, 
and, running towards, nestle beside him until 
he would pat them on the head, or banter 
them with some extempore puzzle or pleas- 
antry. There was an unruffled smile always 
on his countenance. Yellow Jack took a 
dreadful aim when he struck down this gifted 
Priest. 

Rev. P. J. Scanlon, another young man of 
the same Order, was sent from Louisville to 
Memphis to fill the "gap" opened by the 
deaths of Fathers Bokel and McGarvey. He 
remained in the city but a few days when he 
took the Fever and died, at the age of 30. 

The next year, Rev. D. E. Reville, 0. P., 
lost his life by the Fever. This was the only 
son of France whose martyr-life expired in 
Memphis. As a pulpit orator, he was un- 
questionably the most eloquent in Memphis 
in '79. He was 39 years old. 

Regarding Rev. V. B. Vantroostenberg, I 
regret that the want of reliable information 
prevents me saying further than that he was 
sent to Memphis, and died there in the 35th 
year of his age. 

A similar lack of trustworthy personal his- 
tory renders it impossible for me to do justice 
to the lives of Revs. V. G. Chrysostom Rci- 



REV. PATRICK RYAN. 171 

nike, V. P. Maternus, Erasmus, and another 
German Franciscan, who became victims of 
the plague. 

Although the parish attached to their Mon- 
astery in Memphis is the smallest and least 
lucrative, yet, as I have already insinuated, 
they were ever faithful in the performance of 
charitable deeds in aid of the sufferers during 
the Fever. 

REV. PATRICK RYAX. 

Rev. P. Ryan was born near Nenagh, Co. 
Tipperary, Ireland, in the year 1840. While 
yet a child, he was brought to this country by 
his parents, who, being evicted by a ruthless 
landlord, were forced to emigrate. They set- 
tled in New York city, where, until his death, 
his mother and brothers lived. He completed 
his philosophic and theologic courses at St. 
Vincent's College, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 

As I had been for two years an under class- 
mate, I can state Father Ryan, although not 
possessing extraordinary talents, was one of 
the soundest and most reliable students of 
the Seminary. He knew what inexperienced 
collegians would not willingly acknowledge, 
that greater men than he lived, were living, 
and would live. The professors and students 
regarded Ryan as one whose head contained 
what other students had to learn from books 



172 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

— common sense. Whenever Mr. P. Ryan was 
questioned in the class-room, his answers were 
listened to with marked deference. And yet, 
when out on the recreation grounds, he could 
find no one to equal him in hand, foot, or 
base ball. Indeed, few athletes could com- 
pete with him. With a bound, I often wit- 
nessed him spring over the high fence front- 
ing the college, eliciting " three cheers " for 
the Ryans and " huzzas " for Tipperary. 

At this time, Evan was an enviable name. 
Just one year before (in '68), one of the Col- 
lege Faculty, Stephen V. Ryan, was raised to 
the Episcopate. Then there was amongst the 
St. Louis clerisy a silver-tongued orator of 
the name ; while all the Southern States re- 
sounded the praises of the Poet-Priest, Rev. 
A. J. Ryan (R. I. P.). Many Priests of the 
Archdiocese of St. Louis still remember the 
happy days they spent at the Cape with 
Father P. Ryan. 

He was ordained in the summer of '69, by 
Rt. Rev. P. A. Feehan, who sent him to 
Clarksville as Pastor. Soon after, Chatta- 
nooga, in the race for commercial prosperity, 
threatened to outstrip all the second-class 
cities of Tennessee. Seeing that Clarksville 
could never keep pace with the fast growth 
of its rival, the Bishop, appreciating the pru- 
dence and Priestly zeal of Father Ryan, trans- 



REV. PATRICK RYAN. 173 

ferred him from Clarksville to the larger field 
of labors in Chattanooga. Here he remained 
as Pastor until the Fever invaded the city, 
and claimed him one of its victims, in '78. 
His brother, Father Michael, only a few weeks 
ordained, was his assistant at the time. This 
poor man had to give his brother the last Sac- 
raments, and was actually required to assist 
the undertaker while putting his body in the 
coffin. In the midst of the Fever of '78, 
Father Ryan wrote to Father William Walsh, 
of Memphis : 

" I trust iii God I shall hear better news from you. My pray- 
ers, if they can avail anything, are for your safety. May God 
in His great mercy give you strength and courage to bear up 
against this great calamity. As I cannot live without ye, I will 
go and die with ye. P.Ryan." 

These were probably his last written words. 
They are a grand recommendation before God 
and Angels. 

His remains were deposited under the 
shadow of his church, where they lay until 
Nov. 10, 1886, when they were taken from 
their temporary repository and re-interred in 
the presence of three thousand citizens in the 
new Catholic Cemetery, recently purchased 
by the present zealous Pastor, Rev. P. J. 
( rleason. * 

* This cool-headed Priest is about to erect a new church in Chattanooga that 

•will outrival all the churches of the State, even the Cathedral. I trust that, 

when complete, Rome will invest him with a bejewelled ring, and that, since 

be has not died of Yellow Fever like his predecessor, he may depart in Purple. 

15* 



Tlie Catholic Sisterhood in Memphis: 



Having with all the enthusiasm of a sur- 
viving comrade placed before the reader a 
synopsis of the lives of those self-sacrificing 
clergymen who fell victims to the plague 
while endeavoring to save the Lord's vine- 
yard : and having, from the limited resources 
afforded me, employed my best endeavors to 
unravel all doubts that might have existed 
prejudicial to the godly zeal and heroic ac- 
tions of those Priests who were exposed, but 
survived the Fever ; having also striven to 
render impartial justice to those brave men 
and women of the laity who escaped the con- 
tagion ; while I would have them singled out 
worthy not only the gratitude of Memphians 
but the recognition of every true christian 
citizen of the United States. I would consider 
it a serious injustice to overlook the virtues 
and A T alorous deeds of another band of Catho- 
lic warriors, whose unbiassed charity and un- 
tiring labors justly entitled them to be re- 

* Of some fifty nuns who died of Yellow Fever in Memphis, I regret to state 
the following are all the names I could obtain .-—Mother Gertrude, Sister Al- 
phonso, Sister Rose, Sister Josepha, Sister Mary Bernardine, Sister Mary Dolo- 
ra. Sister Mary Veronica, Sister Wilhelmina, Sister Vincent, Sister Stanislaus, 
Sister Gertrude, Sister Wiukelman, Sister Frances, Sister Catherine, Sister Re- 
gina. 



176 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

garded the "right wing "of the christian army. 
I make reference to the Catholic Sisterhood — 
the nuns of the various "Orders" that lived 
or died in Memphis during the epidemics of 
'73, '78 and '79. It is with sincere regret I 
have to acknowledge that all I can say in 
their favor in the present chapter will not re- 
quite a fraction of the praise they justly mer- 
ited. I should glory in the man who would 
take up his gifted pen and inscribe their 
names in the golden pages of history. Those 
" Doves of the temple " have merited the beni- 
sons of the poor and suffering of every creed 
and nationality. If the discharge of duty de- 
manded the sacrifice of twenty-three Priests, 
the Sisterhood had a death-roll of at least 
fifty. Like the majority of the Priests, those 
of them who died were in the bloom of youth 
and health, naturally expecting to spend the 
summer and survive a portion of the winter 
•of human life, serving God and doing good 
amongst men, according to the dictates of 
their precious "calling." 

In the world, the parent is thoroughly sat- 
isfied, if not frequently overjoyed when the 
young daughter returns to her home a gradu- 
ate from the High School or Seminary. But 
amongst the "departed" were young women 
of refined education and intellect not merely 
graduates in philology, music and other fine 



THE CATHOLIC SISTERHOOD IX MEMPHIS. 177 

arts, but christian ladies who had attained a 
graduateship in the schools of humility, chas- 
tity and religion. Their mission is entirely 
shut out from the world in times of peace and 
prosperity. But no sooner does the bugle of 
war resound, or the foul breath of pestilence 
■diffuse its poisonous influence, than the rusty 
locks and iron bolts of the convent gate are 
driven back. Now the world and those who 
heretofore did not commune with the world, 
meet face to face. The hand that told the 
beads or clasped the Little Office Book, may 
now be seen chafing the fevered brow or min- 
istering the cooling draught. 

If a case of Fever had never occurred in 
Memphis, some of the citizens would betray, 
either a lack of memory or gratitude should 
they have forgotten the kind hands that bound 
their wounds, staunched their blood, and 
wiped their bespattered and parched faces. 
There is still living in Memphis many a brave 
old soldier in broadcloth or rags, who yet re- 
tains the beads or scapular placed around his 
neck on the battle-field, and who can never 
see a Catholic Nun (whom he generally calls a 
Sister of ( narity, ) without associating her 
with the woebegone days of Shiloh, Gettys- 
burg, Fort Sumter and Vicksburg. 

When the female youth of America are ap- 
palled at the first announcement of Small-pox 



1<8 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

or Cholera, from out the convent gate yon 
see a little regiment of black or white-robed 
Sisters marching to those localities that are 
poorest and most afflicted. Their gentle "tap" 
is heard a thousand times oftener at the door 
of the needy, than at the electric button in 
the hall of the lordly mansion. When peace 
and order have been restored, the cloister 
gates are again locked to all except the youth 
whom they would enroll imitators of Jesus 
and Children of Mary. They teach them the 
principles of christian perfection, while they 
instill into their young hearts traits of phi- 
lanthropy and true womanhood — blessings of 
more value to them here and hereafter than 
real estate deeds or miserable pelf. Each of 
the five female religious " Orders"* that lived 
in Memphis during the past twenty years 
have conferred untold blessings on the city 
and citizens of Memphis. Bending over the 
pallet of some wretched beggar or ruined 
creditor, they point to him a " home" beyond 
the stars and remind him of a God who shall 
requite their losses and end their sufferings. 
The child whose parents death snatched to a 
premature grave no longer appears a homeless 
waif as he nestles beside the Superioress or 
Sisters of the convent. The abandoned out- 
cast, whom no respectable man or woman 

* Orders :— Dominican, Franciscan, Good Shepherd, Josephite, and Charity. 



THE CATHOLIC SISTERHOOD IN MEMPHIS. 179 

would salute, finds a home with those minis- 
tering " Angels." Instead of jocund curses 
and jeers, to which their ears were accus- 
tomed, they exhort them to join in hymns 
and prayers to Jesus and Mary Immaculate. 

The natural parent may furnish the State 
with a well-developed soldier or citizen ; a 
young woman of graceful form and gifted in- 
tellect ; but the youthful training of the soul 
and heart, under the tutelage of the Sisters, 
has often inspired the soldier with sentiments 
of loyalty and courage, who otherwise would 
be a traitor ; saved the law-abiding citizen, 
who would be a wayward prodigal; and made 
the young woman a God-fearing, virtuous or- 
nament, instead of a frivolous devotee of van- 
ity or dissipation. 

In view of all these services, it is discour- 
aging to think that they sometimes are 
allowed to suffer. When teachers and nurses 
in the world receive most flattering recom- 
pense for their services, the Sisters are often 
allowed to come and go without receiving 
any visible recognition for their labors. Af- 
ter the Fever of '79, I remember standing 
over the graves of those fifty martyr-heroines, 
and although I knew that both in life and 
death they cared not for worldly pomp or dis- 
play, still, I felt sorry for the surviving popu- 
lace who could bear to look without remorse 



180 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

on those "mounds" devoid of wooden or 
marble slab.f 

THE SISTER OF CHARITY. 



GEKALD GRIFFIN. 



She once was a lady of honor and wealth, 
Bright glow'd on her features the roses of health ; 
Her vesture was blended of silk and of gold, 
And her motion shook perfume from every fold. 
Joy revelled around her — love shone at her side, 
And gay was her smile as the glance of a bride; 
And light was her step in the mirth-sounding hall, 
When she heard of the daughters of Vincent de Paul. 

She felt in her spirit the summons of grace, 
That call'd her to live for the suffering race; 
And, heedless of pleasure, of comfort, of home, 
Rose quickly, like Mary, and answered, "I come." 
She put from her person the trappings of pride, 
And pass'd from her home with the joy of a bride, 
Nor wept at the threshold, as onward she moved, 
For her heart was on fije in the cause it approved. 

Lost ever to fashion — to vanity lost — 
That beauty that once was the song and the toast ; 
No more in the ball-room, that figure we meet, 
But gliding at dusk to the wretch's retreat. 
Forgot in the halls, is that high-sounding name, 
For the Sister of Charity blushes at fame; 
Forgot are the claims of her riches and birth, 
For she barters for heaven the glory of earth. 

t The few Episcopal Sisters who fell were all but immortalized by the mem- 
bers of their church. The Relief Bureau of Hartford, Connecticut, sent the fol- 
lowing : 

" Resolved, that we offer this loving tribute in memory of Sister Constance, to 
her late associates, to the Mother Superior of her Order, to her Pastor, Rev. Dr. 
Harris, and to Right Rev. Dr. Quintard, (Protestant) Bishop of Tennessee, with 
our heartfelt sympathy and prayers. 

Mrs. F. E. IIARDIMAX, Pies. 
Mrs. JNO. BROCKLES1IV, Vice-Pres. 
Mrs. SARAH E. DAVIS, Rec. Secr'y. 
Hartford, Conn., Oct. 4, 18.78." 



THE SISTER OF CHARITY. 181 

Those feet that to music could gracefully move, 

Now bear her alone on the mission of love; 

Those hands that once dangled the perfume and gem, 

Are tending the helpless or lifted for them; 

That voice that once echo'd the song of the vain, 

Now whispers relief to the bosom of pain; 

And the hair that was shining with diamond and pearl, 

Is wet with the tears of the penitent girl. 

Her down-bed — a pallet, her trinket — a bead, 

Her lustre — one taper that serves her to read ; 

Her sculpture — the crucifix nail'd by her bed, 

Her paintings— one print of the thorn-crowned head ; 

Her cushion — the pavement that wearies her knees, 

Her music — the psalm, or the sigh of disease. 

The delicate lady lives mortified there, 

And the feast is forsaken for fasting and prayer. 

Yet not to the service of heart and of mind, 

Are the cares of that heaven-minded virgin confined ; 

Like him whom she loves, to the mansions of grief, 

She hastes with the tidings of joy and relief. 

She strengthens the weary, she comforts the weak, 

And soft is her voice in the ear of the sick ; 

Where want and affliction on mortals attend, 

The Sister of Charity, there is a friend. 

Unshrinking where pestilence scatters his breath, 
Like an Angel she moves 'mid the vapor of death ; 
Where rings the loud music and Hashes the sword, 
Unfearing she walks, for she follows the Lord. 
How sweetly she bends o'er each plague-tainted face, 
With looks that are lighted with holiest grace; 
How kindly she dresses each suffering limb, 
For she sees in the wounded the image of Him. 

Behold her, ye worldly ! Behold her, ye vain ! 
Who shrink from the pathway of virtue and pain; 
Who yield up to pleasure your nights and your days, 
Forgetful of service, forgetful of praise. 
Ye lazy philosophers, — self-seeking men, — 
Ye fireside philanthropists, — great at the pen, — 
How stands in the balance your eloquence weighed, 
With the life and the deeds of that high-born maid ? 

16 



182 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

THE FEVER-PKOOF LITTLE BAND OF ST. JOSEPH 
HEROINES. :;: 

During all the plagues that visited Mem- 
phis, including ? 73, '78 and '79, there was a lit- 
tle band (six St. Joseph Sisters) that seemed to 
be Fever-proof. After the financial depression 
of '78 had discouraged all prospects for their 
academy, the Mother Superioress in St. Louis 
(Agatha) required them to give up their Mem- 
phis Mission. This happened a little before 
the Fever broke out in v 79. There was a sup- 
pressed rumor that they left in anticipation 
of the Fever. To frustrate this unfounded 
report, I applied to the Mother Superioress, 
acquainting her of the inopportuneness of 
the departure of the Sisters. She told me 
that, if Bishop Ryan consented, she would 
gladly send them back. I applied to the 
Bishop, who had no objection. I returned 
to Carondelet to acquaint the Mother. I nat- 
urally supposed there would be considerable 
reluctance on the part of those who were to 
be sent to Memphis — then regarded every- 
where as a certain grave-depot. Would you 
believe ? Double the number requisite cheer- 
fully volunteered. I trust it is not a revela- 
tion of convent secrecy when I state that one 
little sister called me aside, and begged me to 

* Mother Leone ; Sisters Immaculate, Antoinette, Irene, Clarissa and De Sales k 



THE ST. JOSEPH HEROINES. 183 

ask the Mother to let her go to Memphis. 
Few ladies of the world could go to a ball 
or marriage feast with more breathless enthu- 
siasm than these saintly creatures went to 
face death. On their way to Memphis, the 
six chosen ones were stopped at Humboldt 
(82 miles from Memphis) , on account of quar- 
antine regulations. They were sadly discour- 
aged seeing that their journey was impeded. 
A generous Lady of Humboldt, Mrs. Dono- 
van, entertained them until Bishop Feehan 
obtained permission for them to proceed. 
They went directly to Camp Father Mathew, 
where they spent their nights. Every morn- 
ing they walked to the city, carrying large 
baskets filled with provisions, money and 
medicine, for the sick and poor. They 
were now in, and again out of, the Camp. 
In the little band was a deaf Sister called 
A . She is at present an enfeebled inva- 
lid in Douglas Asylum, Chicago. Men of 
every persuasion regarded her as a veritable 
Saint. She consoled broken-hearted widows; 
fed and sheltered abandoned orphans ; she 
not only sat with the sick and dying, but saw 
they were decently shrouded, encoffinecl, and 
buried. There is no record or history of this 
little Sister's heroism; yet she had bravery 
enough to honor her entire sex. I trust it 
will not, (if she still lives) wound her virgin 



184 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

humility to say that her smiling face, and her 
kind consoling words have melted into the 
hearts of many a bereaved husband, disconso- 
late widow, and orphan waif, the love and 
charity of Jesus Christ. The poor negro, who 
until '78 never took, and was never supposed 
to take the Fever, often blessed her name as 
he took the refreshing draught from her white 
and wasted hands. It is singular, if not re- 
markable, that while every "Order" of Nuns 
and Priesthood in Memphis was decimated 
by the plague, not a single one of St. Joseph's 
Sisters died or took the fever. If it is not lu- 
dicrous, I can offer no other explanation of 
their escape — they imbibed an overdose of 
"sporadic infection." Unless we have re- 
course to the supernatural, there is no other 
way to unravel this mystery. It is not say- 
ing too much — this Sister A has seen 

more Yellow Fever patients than any human 
individual, male or female, in North or South 
America. 

" Softly and noiselessly some feet tread 

Lone ways on earth without leaving a mark ; 
They move 'mid the living, they pass to the dead 
As still as the gleam of a star thro' the dark. 
Sweet lives those 
In their strange repose." 

— Father Ryan. 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 185 
INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER OF 1878. 

The reader will bear in mind that ont of a 
population of more than fifty thousand, thirty 
thousand had fled the city before the 18th of 
August; 19,600 remained either through* ne- 
cessity or the greedy hope of enriching them- 
selves during this extraordinary crisis. Eight 
hundred citizens took refuge in camp Wil- 
liams (five miles from Memphis), and four 
hundred in Camp Father Mathew (four miles 
from Memphis). Of those who remained in 
the city 14,000 were colored, leaving only 
6,000 white people; 946 colored and 4,204 
whites died in the city during the autumn. 
Not more than two hundred whites escaped 
the Fever, and most of these had been victims 
of it in previous years. 

Amongst the run-aways were several promi- 
nent city officials, several physicians, and al- 
most all the Preachers of the town. It would 
not be correct to say all left. Doctors Har- 
ris and White, and Rev. C. Parsons of the 
Episcopal Church, Dr. Boggs and Rev. Lan- 
(Iruni of the Presbyterian, and Rev. E. C. Sla- 
ter of the Methodist church, remained in the 
city. The Ministers who died of Fever were : 
Rev. Mr. Parsons, Rev. E. C. Slater, Rev. P. 
T. Scruggs, and Rev. Mr. Thomas (German 
Reformed). Some three or four volunteer 



186 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Ministers also died, but as they had no special 
charge in Memphis at the time, I do not think 
it fair to rank them with the Memphis Min- 
isters. 

When the Fever broke out in '78, there 
were in Memphis five Catholic and fifty-three 
Protestant churches ; of the latter, twenty- 
four were white and twenty-nine colored. 
The white congregations were as follows : — 
three Baptist ; one Christian ; one Congrega- 
tional; two Cumberland . Presbyterian ; four 
Episcopal ; one Lutheran ; one Israelite : six- 
Methodist and five Presbyterian. When the 
Fever broke out in '78, there were in Mem- 
phis eleven Priests ; twelve died during the 
epidemic, and three survived. It may be con- 
sidered unfair that I do not accredit the Pro- 
tectant church with the four volunteers who 
died of the Fever, while I compute the Priests 
sent to Memphis as adding lustre to its mar- 
tyr record. I do not mean to do injustice to 
any religious sect. The volunteer Preachers 
Avho came to Memphis or died there, differ 
from the Priests who w T ere sent, in the fact that 
the former had no local charge. A Priest 
wishing to go to a plague-stricken city, de- 
pends on the Bishop for "faculties" The 
11 willingness" of a clergyman " in the Catho- 
lic church does not presuppose his approval. 
Were I to reckon the volunteer Ministers who 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 187 

succumbed, as adding to their local mortality 
list, I should, for a similar reason, include 
three Catholic Priests who went to die in 
Memphis during the Fever; but who were 
not approved by the Bishop of the diocese. 

In page 124 of Mr. J. M. Keating's History 
of Yellow Fever, he says: — "A few ill-con- 
ditioned zealots, taking advantage of this 
state of the public mind, made comparisons 
between the Protestant Ministers and the 
Catholic Priests, which the circumstances did 
not warrant, with a view to injure the Pro- 
testant churches. But this failed." Very 
good. I trust it did fail. But let us see if 
we can reconcile Hon. J. M. Keating the 
Author of the Yellow Fever History, with 
Hon. J. M. Keating, the illustrious Editor of 
the Memphis Appeal, to whom I never attrib- 
uted a dual existence. 

Referring to the Protestant Ministers, the 
Memphis Appeal of 1878 gave the following 
scathing rebuke to those who deserted their 
flocks : 

"They left their communities to die like dogs, without oue 
word of consolation or hope. * * * They left no excuse that 
a suffering people can bear to hear. * * * * They have 
strengthened the mother church, against whom it w r as their habit 
to inveigh as the 'scarlet woman.' * * * They have literally 
denied their Lord and Master. ' I was sick and ye visited me 
uot.' * * * * Their bad example has become contagious, as 
witness Chattanooga, where only two ministers remained, and 
both of them, God help them, in their deathbeds." 



188 HEROES AND HEROINES 'OF MEMPHIS. 

This, Hon. J. M. Keating, is a fearful in- 
vective, which appears to me, if not unde- 
served, unquestionably too sarcastic. " They 
left their communities to die like dogs" It 
is too severe. What could those ministers do 
in case they remained? They had no neces- 
sary Sacraments they could administer at the 
hour of death. They could only visit or 
nurse the sick. But is a minister, with or 
without a wife and family, obliged to risk 
human life for the sake of merely visiting 
or nursing a member of his flock ? The city 
supplied plenty of nurses. Before or after an 
epidemic a Protestant minister is not bound. 
ex-officlo, to visit all his patients, or even to 
give all members funeral rites. These are 
generally solemnized in quiet times. But I 
deny, according to Protestant tenets, that a 
soul is endangered by their non-fulfillment. 
A Minister, then, who neglects to visit a sick 
member, or fails to perform " funeral rites," 
is not to be regarded as letting him " die like 
a dog." Even in the Catholic church, "fu- 
neral service" is not of necessity. But a Priest 
has no plea, like a Minister, to abandon his 
flock. Each member regards him as a spirit- 
ual Father. His presence is required to re- 
generate him in baptism, forgive him his sins, 
nourish him during life, and, when death 
comes, to be there, to hand him over to his 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 189 

Creator. If the reception of the Saciaments 
is necessary during life, Catholic faith teaches 
they are indispensable (extremely necessary) 
at the hour of death. The Minister can say 
at any time, "I can do no more for this mem- 
ber of my flock." The Priest can never say 
this while there is a living breath in the good 
or ungodly. Unfortunately, many Catholics 
defer half a century of repentance till the 
moment of death. Even though there are 
no very bright promises in his favor, still it 
would be rendering the Redeeming Merits of 
our Lord nugatory, were the Priest to absent 
himself in such a crisis. "I will not the death 
of a sinner, but rather, that he be converted 
and live." There is a christian " leave-tak- 
ing " between the Priest and penitent at the 
hour of death. 

The Protestant Ministers who remained in 
Memphis during the epidemic may be credited 
for philanthropy and christian charity, but I 
am not disposed to insinuate those who ran 
away incurred any special opprobrium. All 
honor is due to those of them who fell vic- 
tims. Still, I think the Ministers who, after 
the Fever had passed, came back with their 
smiling wives and laughing little boys and 
girls, did nothing so very cruel to humanity 
or their respective flocks. I think we might 
reconcile their case with the adage: " A live 



190 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Corporal is better than a dead Emperor" The 
Memphis Appeal, which, indeed, is one of the 
leading papers in the South, followed up the 
Ministers in '78 pretty severely. In one of its 
articles, it wrote of Dr. Graves, the editor of 
the Memphis Southern Baptist. [I would state 
this Graves, every inch a bigot, often gave the 
Nuns, Priests, and sometimes the Pope him- 
self, an unmerciful scathing.] The Appeal 
goes on to relate that this Dr. Graves left 
Memphis for California, where he was to lec- 
ture (and likely to give the Pope another 
scratch). On reaching Salt Lake City, he be- 
came prostrated with Yellow Fever. He was 
taken in charge and nursed to convalescence 
by the Catholic Sisters of that city. " Rather 
strange coincidence," comments the Appeal. 
"The leader of the Baptists of the South 
stricken down in a Mormon city, and receiv- 
ing the christian charities and attentions of 
the Catholic Sisters." 

To a stranger the aspect of Memphis during 
the epidemic was most appalling. The prin- 
cipal thoroughfares as well as the lanes, al- 
leys and side-walks, were saturated with lime, 
carbolic acid, and other ill-odored disinfect- 
ants. The streets were obscured with smoke 
of ignited tar and other evaporant combusti- 
bles, with a view to scatter or dissipate the 
spores. Bedsteads, ticks, blankets, whereupon 



INCIDENTS OP THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 191 

patients died, might be seen burning at almost 
every street corner. You might walk or ride 
several miles on Main street, the principal 
thoroughfare, and not meet five persons. Wag- 
ons and carriages were so seldom seen that 
their appearance lent an air of dreariness to 
the scene. Although horse cars were few and 
far between, still much credit is due to the 
Superintendent, Mr. Barrett, for his persever- 
ance in running a few cars to accommodate 
the public in this eventful time. To take a 
birds-eye view of Memphis, a person should 
enter one of those cars. It would seem that 
every composite that admitted a disgusting- 
odor was in requisition. While some outvied 
their proximate neighbors in the lavish use 
of cologne, musk, and rose-water, others armed 
with onions or assafcetida, seemed to issue a 
challenge to the nasal organs of all the pas- 
sengers, if not to the city at large. Such pre- 
cautions on the part of those who sought to 
repel the infection of Fever by such unsavory 
odors, appeared to me very unwise. Common 
sense would dictate that anything so disgust- 
ing and nauseous must offend the stomach, 
which, during an epidemic should, for no 
cause, be disarranged. If an epidemic did 
not exist at all, it was ominous and dreadful 
to see men and women on the streets and cars 
having large sponges attached to their noses, 



192 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

while others appeared to be so reckless, that 
one would either suppose they had, or would 
expose themselves to have the Fever. Out- 
side each undertaker's shop were piles, if not 
mountains, of coffins or improvised boxes for 
the poor. The only evidence of living hu- 
manity seemed to be the hearses and vehicles 
carrying the dead to the different Cemeteries. 
The most dreadful sense of horror w T as the fact 
that, in a short time, those ghastly sights 
would fail to inspire terror. You would be- 
gin to get used to all these sad and sickening 
sights. The howling of dogs, the piteous 
mewing of cats, and the lowing of cattle left 
behind by their owners, would almost convey 
an idea of the terrors of the last Judgment. In 
some instances I was assured that faithful dogs 
were found dead over their masters' or ^mis- 
tresses' graves, while others, having nothing 
to eat, scooped open some of the newly made 
pauper-graves. Indeed, it appeared an act of 
mercy to feed those famished brutes. Some of 
those dumb creatures deserved a better end. 
After the death of Father Riordan, V. G., 
a little canine pet never left the premises 
during the Fever. The colored man who took 
charge of the Pastor's residence, stated that 
little Jack would tear any stranger who dared 
enter the parsonage grounds while he was in 
charge. Another little pet slept in the Camp 



INCIDENTS OF THE FEVER OF 'SEVENTY-EIGHT. 193 

at night, and every day was sure to accompa- 
ny the Priest in all his visits to the sick. 
Father Walsh, who died in '78, had a large 
Newfoundland that, on hearing the clock 
strike twelve, used to run out and catch in his 
mouth the bell-rope — an exercise in which 
he playfully joined the Sexton as he tolled 
the Angelus. 

But the most pitiful and heart-rending 
scenes were the cries and wails of bereaved 
mothers, wives, children, and husbands. 
There is something touchingly sad in hear- 
ing a man audibly weep. The ravings of 
some bordered on blasphemy, as they chal- 
lenged the mercy of God to give them such a 
stroke. While the sufferings of some appeared 
to be moderate, others endured excruciating 
agony. Some patients died smiling, singing, 
or immoderately laughing; while others felt 
as though their blood and entrails were boil- 
ing. A lady assured me the thirst she en- 
dured caused her more suffering than partu- 
rition, cholera and small pox, in each of 
which, during her married life, she suffered 
a world of agony. Many of those who fled 
the city at first, were forced to return (owing 
to lack of funds) before the Fever had ceased. 
Almost every case proved fatal. The sexton of 
St. Bridget's church and his cousin (as stated 
in page 129) remained away from Memphis till 



194 - HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

late in November, when frost had appeared. 
At this time quarantine was removed, and 
the city was said to be perfectly safe. Yet 
those two young men were scarcely home a 
week when they took the Fever and died 
(Nov. 21st). Frost certainly destroys Fever, 
but in order to be effective, it must be a severe 
frost. Speaking of '78, I believe that cases 
occurred in the city as early as the latter 
part of July, while there is no doubt but 
there were isolated cases as late as Nov. 30. 
The Fever of '78 was said to have been im- 
ported from * Grenada, a small town in Mis- 
sissippi, where it caused frightful havoc. I 
have no grounds to deny or doubt this as- 
sumption. But how did the succeeding Fever 
of '79 originate? I heartily believe the poison 
was never destroyed from its first outbreak in 
'78 till the latter months of '79. I believe 
the infection, spore, or whatever else it is, 
remained latent throughout the winter, and 
only Avanted sufficient heat to develop it. 



*Some attribute the importation of Fever to passengers who landed from the 
infected steam-tug, J. D. Porter; others, that friends of Squire Pat. "Winters, 
imported it from steamer "Golden Crown." 



Thrilling Incidents of tie Epidemic ot '78, 



The following thrilling incidents of the 
Yellow Fever of '78 are mostly taken from 
the daily Memphis papers published during 
the epidemic : — 

Avalanche, Sept. 5th. — " Great God ! How this mur- 
derous work has iucreased. Those that are left are busy 
burying their dead ; those that are left may be taken to- 
morrow. * * * Impotence lies at the feet of Omnipo- 
tence, and grovels there in the dust. Yesterday's record 
is run up, and in all its blackness lifts its death's head 
and defies the best plague that ever did a job of slaying 
among the children of men. * * * * Who has the 
heart to use the multiplication in the arithmetic of sor- 
row, and figure out the hearts broken, the lives embit- 
tered, the houses desolated ? * * * Surely our cup 
of sorrow must be full. Black as the dead list is, to-day, 
in our city, it fails to represent all those ready for burial 
yesterday. The county undertaker has four furniture 
wagons busy all day. Upon each, the coffins were piled 
as high as safety from falling would permit. These four 
great vehicles, doing the wholesale burying business, 
failed to take to the potters' field all of the indigent dead. 
At the time the officer made his report sixty bodies were 
awaiting interment." 

Avalanche, Sept. 1st. — " The king of terrors contin- 
ues to snatch victims with fearful rapidity. * * * 
But three short weeks ago our city was active with busi- 
ness of all classes ; our people were happy and prosper- 



196 .HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

ous. * * * Now, our streets are deserted, our stores 
and residences empty, and out of a population of more 
than fifty thousand, barely five thousand remain, and of 
those, nearly five hundred are in the grave, aud perhaps 
double that number lie suffering with racking pains and 
burning fevers. 

The dead body of a negro woman was found at No. 13 
Commerce street, Sept. 3, her living babe trying to nurse 
from her putrid In-east. 

Visitor Anderson, of the Howards, Sept. 4th, found 
J. Riviere in a dying condition at No. 81 Main street. 
He was alone, stark naked and covered with flies. 

Sept. 5th. — Annie Cook, the keeper of a bagnio on 
Gayoso street, who had most heroically devoted herself 
to the care of the sick since the fever set in, was down 
with a bad case of fever, from which she died two days 
later. (Keating' s History.) Mr. Keating says : "This 
woman's faith has made her whole, and she is now in 
peace." In reply, I can furnish no better argument than 
that given in page 125 of Mr. Keating's own book : — 
" The ignorance of the dark ages still hangs in gloomy 
folds about us. Can five minutes' religious services over 
a poor fellow- (woman) covered with blisters, choked with 
black vomit, and barely able to tell his (her) nurse what 
he (she) wants, probably not that, renovate a moral na- 
ture, steeped in unbelief and sin for fifty years, blanch 
the blackness of a purely wicked life to *nowy whiteness. 
and fit for angelic associates a man (woman) who, if he 
(she) ever recover would laugh at the idea of wishing re- 
ligious services at the time his (her) death was deemed at 
hand?" (D. A <>.) 

"The sexton of St. Patrick's church reported a case 
where a man was shrouded and encoffined, but who, when 
the lid was about to be screwed down, opened his eyes 
and asked those performing the last offices for him, 
" What are you doing?" A little trepidated, if not con- 



THRILLING INCIDENTS. 197 

sternated, they lifted him from his close confinement and 
put him to bed. After judicious treatment, he recov- 
ered." (Keating' 's History.) 

[The sexton of St. Patrick's, Mr. Pat. O'Rourke, as- 
sured me this was a falsehood, as far as he was con- 
cerned. — D. A. Q.] 

Sept. 14. — The Flack family were entirely annihilated. 
The mother, fourclaiig liters and two sons all died in one 
week. 

Appeal, Oct. oth. — "On Sunday last, a number of 
heart-stricken citizens repaired to Elm wood Cemetery 
for the purpose of visiting the fresh made graves of 
their loved and lost, and spreading flowers on the earth 
hillocks that marked those sacred spots. But to their 
horror and dismay, the graves of the dead could not be 
found. This is a horrible fact to have to disclose, be- 
cause it is well calculated to awaken the deepest alarm 
in the minds of hundreds of citizens who had their loved 
ones interred at Elmwood Cemetery. It will be well to re- 
member how the dead daily encumbered the graveyard, 
and how hundreds of coffins lay around Elmwood daily, 
awaiting interment, which had to-be postponed for days, 
owing to the scarcity of grave-diggers, or the sickness of 
those in charge of the cemetery during the gloomy days 
of September, when the Fever pest gathered in two hun- 
dred victims a day. As relatives could not wait to see 
their dead interred, this care often devolved on men who 
paid little attention to their work. On Sunday last a 
man had flowers to place on the grave of his wife. Al- 
though he was the owner of a private lot in the cemetery, 
he failed to find the coffin that contained his wife's re- 
mains. This man entertained the horrible belief that his 
wife was buried in a ditch or trench, in the section re- 
served for paupers." 

Probably the most pitiable case was that of the Mc- 
Kinley family on Brinkley avenue, all of whom died. 



198 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

Their appeal sent to the Howards was: — ''For God's 
sake, come to us ; we are all dying." The Howard vis- 
itor who was sent to them found one of the children, 
who had been dead three days, so far in decomposition 
that its abdomen had broken open, and maggots were 
crawling from it. Another child had been dead a day, 
and all of the family were sick without any attendance 
whatever. 

Captain Rogers, who lived in Tennessee street, was 
nursed by two negroes sent by the Masons. When he 
died, some of his friends ordered the nurse to ,lay him 
out in his Masonic regalia, telling them they would find 
it in the wardrobe. The nurses, in their ignorance, found 
a grotesque suit of clothes which the poor gentleman had 
worn at Mardi Gras the previous year, and he was buried 
in them before the mistake was discovered. 

Susan Cunningham, residing on Carroll avenue, had 
black vomit two different times in four days. Her at- 
tending physician reduced her temperature from 104° to 
96°, but it went up again to 105°. It was again reduced 
to 97°, but went up again to 106°, from which it was 
again reduced to 97° ; and yet she recovered. 

Mr. Fred. Brennan, local editor of the Appeal, was in 
bed ten weeks, having, perhaps, the worst case of Yel- 
low Fever on record. He had black vomit three times, 
and the hiccoughs twice — once for twenty-four hours, 
and once for eight hours — and yet he recovered. A vig- 
orous constitution and a will that nothing could break 
down brought him through. 

The owner of a cotton-gin, a man of wealth, sporting- 
diamonds and fast horses, left his three sisters and an 
aged father without means, and subject to the fever, and 
tied the city. Madam Vincent was buried on Sunday, 
22d September. 

A kind-hearted lady was going to see a sick friend, 
when she heard her name called. Turning, she saw a 



THRILLING INCIDENTS. 199 

slender girl, dressed in mourning, advancing towards her. 
As the child came nearer, she recognized in her the 
daughter of a neighbor who had died the day before, 
near the city. The little girl threw her arms about the 
lady, and sobbing, cried,-" You aren't afraid of me, are 
you?" "No, my dear," was the soothing response. 
"Everybody else is," said the poor child. "They 
w r on't come near me, because papa died of the Fever. 
and we were with him, I and mamma." (Keating's 
History. ) 

Dr. Nelson, a man of considerable wealth, Thos. F. 
McCall, a prominent merchant, and a Mr. Kenney, a 
cotton planter and speculator, all died of Fever, and 
now sleep in unknown Potter's fields. 

Said a nurse : "I came from Shreveport on Sunday, 
got here Monday, went to work Tuesday ; Weduesday, 
my patient was beautiful ; Thursday, he was tolerable; 
Thursday night, he was restless ; Friday, he was dead ; 
and Saturday, he was in hell, for all that I know. Oh, 
I tell you them was times, when they went to heaven and 
the other place by telegraph, and not over the wires 
either, — no, indeed!" (Keating's History.) 

Jeff. Davis, Jr., (son of the ex-Confederate President) 
died at five o'clock in the evening of Oct. 16th, at Bun- 
tyn station, near Memphis. 

A heavy black frost was the pleasing spectacle that 
gladdened the sight of the many who were on the lookout 
for it, on the morning of Oct. 19. This harbinger of re- 
turning health to Memphis caused unalloyed joy. — Ap- 
peal. [Still, cases remained as late as November 30. — 
D.-A. Q.J 



200 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 



EXTRACT FROM KKATIXc's YELLOW FEVER 

HISTORY. 

The following eloquent description of the 
epidemic in Memphis is taken from Keating's 
Yellow Fever History of '7<S : 

" By the last week in August all who could, had fled, 
and all were in camp who would go. There were then 
about three thousand cases of Fever in the city. During 
its prevalence the temperature averaged from 72° to 82 . 
* * * ^ n appalling gloom hung over the doomed city. 
At night, it was silent as the grave ; by day it seemed 
desolate as the desert. The solemn oppressions of uni- 
versal death bore upon the human mind, as if the day of 
Judgment were about to dawn. * * * Death prevailed 
everywhere; white women were seldom to be met ; chil- 
dren, never. The voice of prayer was lifted up only at 
the bed of pain and death. Tears for loved ones were 
choked back by the feeling of uncertainty provoked by 
the sad conditiou of another. The wife was borne to 
the tomb while the husband was unconscious of his loss ; 
and whole families were swept away in such quick suc- 
cession that not one had knowledge of the other's de- 
parture. Death dealt kindly b} 7 these ; there was no 
mourning ; no widows ; no orphans. The parents went 
first, in a few hours the children followed. In some in- 
stances the parents were left dazed — stunned, in a con- 
dition beyond tears and bordering on insanity. In one 
such case, a mother thus left, turned from her griefs witli 
a brave heart, sustained by a holy trust, to nurse the 
sick. Her losses and trials deepened her sympathies and 
enabled her to appreciate the disheartened condition of 
•those vet in the valley of the shadow through which she 



ELOQUENT DESCRIPTION OF THE EPIDEMIC. 201 

had passed. She entered the sick room with all the con- 
fidence of a martyr, dispensing the holy assurance of a 
saint. There was almost healing in her touch. A man, 
also, thus bereft, who, in one short week buried all his 
pets, who rose from a sick bed to lay his wife away for- 
ever, also became a nurse, and for weeks went about do- 
ing good. Others as sadly bereft, prayed for death to 
release them from sorrows that could not be assuaged. 
Sadder cases than these were the orphans, who lost both 
parents, children who were dropped from comfort into 
poverty, and robbed in a few hours of the care, protec- 
tion and guidance of loving parents, to become inmates 
of public asylums. * * * * Some of the dead were 
found in a state a little better than a lot of bones in a 
puddle of green water. Half the putrid remains of a 
negro woman were found in an outbuilding near the Ap- 
peal Office, the other half had been eaten by rats that 
were found dead by hundreds near the spot. Many of 
the dead were put away in trenches, where the paupers 
and the unknown sleep peacefully together. The carni- 
val of death was now at its height. Women were found 
dead, their little babes gasping in the throes of death, 
beside the breasts at which they had tugged in vain One 
•case is recalled where the babe was literally glued to the 
bosom, where it had found food and shelter, and perhaps 
expired at the same moment as the mother, whose love 
was evidenced even in a death embrace. Others passed 
away after the labors of birth had supervened upon the 
fever — mother and child being buried in the same grave. 
The penalties of maternity, which always command the 
tenderest sympathy, were paid in nameless agonies, lead- 
ing, in all but two cases, to forfeiture of life. 

Some who had passed safely into the vigor of old age 
were again taxed with functions long since silenced, and 
in the moment of death, and even after it, this curse of 
the sex asserted itself to an amazing degree. Not a few 



202 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

were affected with swellings that took on the form of 
goitre, increasing the disgusting consequences of a dis- 
ease, that, to the patient, is one of the most offensive — 
as much so as small pox, or the black plague of the East. 
Its effects upon men were equally forbidding. * * 
Those whose physical system had received injuries which 
are the special penalty of lecherous excesses, died soon- 
est. But neither cleanliness nor right living were a shield 
to stay the hand of. this destroyer. He invaded the 
homes of the most chaste and the den of the vilest. He 
took innocence and infamy at the same moment, and 
spread terror everywhere. * * There were no fu- 

nerals, and but little demand for funeral service. In 
most cases, the driver of the hearse and his assistant 
comprised the funeral party. * * * * 

The bell at the graveyard gate was for a long time 
tolled b} T a lovely girl who for weeks was her father's 
only help. She kept the registry of the dead, and knew 
what havoc the Fever had made. At last, sickness con- 
quered her physical energies ; but she recovered and re- 
sumed her self-selected post. No other bell save that of 
death was tolled. Churches were closed. Congregations 
were dispersed — the members were far apart — some were 
•safe, and many were dead. The Police were cut down 
from forly-one to seven. The Fire Department were cut 
down to thirteen — their bells, too, were silenced, out of 
tender regard for the sick — so changed do rugged and 
even rough men become in the presence of an overwhelm- 
ing calamity. Fortunately there were but few fires, 
and these made no great demands upon the energies of 
the Department. But petty thieving prevailed like an 
epidemic. A few who came to nurse, died, leaving full 
trunks of silverware, bric-a-brac and clothing. A few 
also made themselves notorious for lewdness and drunk- 
enness. To these many deaths may be ascribed. They 
shocked decency and outraged humanity. They were 



SOME OUTSPOKEN FACTS. 203". 

no better than the beasts of the field. They made of the 
epidemic a carnival. But the worst of them were cut 
short in their career ; only one or two escaped with their 
lives. One of these, a woman, while stupefied from wine 
and brandy, allowed a poor woman to leave her bed, 
naked as when born, and wander out in the country on 
an inclement night, calling as she went, for the husband 
who had preceded her to the grave by a few days. In 
the house of an ex-judge, whence a whole family had 
been borne to the grave, the victims of neglect, four- 
such nurses died, and in the two trunks of one — and the 
worst of them, a woman of seeming refinement — there 
was found the family plate, and wearing apparel of the 
judge's wife, then absent in Ohio. This woman and her 
paramours fell victims to the Fever they invited by their 
debaucheries, and hastened by their excesses. In the 
whole range of human depravity there are few parallels 
to these cases. They illustrate extreme degradation ;, 
they sounded the lowest depths of vice, and shamed even 
the low standard of savage life. At a time when the 
hearts of nearly all were filled with sorrow and weighed 
with care, they gave way to the vilest and most brutal of 
human weaknesses, and surrendered themselves to shame- 
lessness that horrified decency." 

SOME OUTSPOKEN FACTS. 

It is a fact which neither religious humility 
should conceal, nor bigoted knavery belittle, 
that the Priests of the diocese of Nashville, 
guided by their good Bishop, have afforded a 
noble exemplar, not only to clergy, but have 
furnished a golden chapter for the future his- 
tory of Catholicism in America. 

I have stated that Very Rev. J. A. Kelly. 



201 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

0. P., had survived the three plagues of '73, 
'78 and '79 ; that, although Vicar General M. 
Riordan had leave of absence when the Fever 
invaded Memphis in ? 7S, yet, when hearing 
of the death of his comrades, he returned 
immediately to the city. 

I have stated Father William Walsh, the 
present pastor of St. Bridget's church, left his 
aged parents in Ireland, and bade what he 
might reasonably call a last farewell to his 
native home ; yet, like a very warrior going 
to another battle, he spared neither time nor 
expense to return to his flock. 

I have elsewhere designated Father Aloy- 
sius Weiver, the unrequited, but veritable 
hero of Memphis. He was night and day 
at the service of the people. While friends 
were leaving friends, and brothers, brothel's 
and sisters, this saintly father stood over the 
bed of the hopeless and helpless. Instead of 
donning a lighter and cooler garment, he 
chose to stalk among the lanes and thor- 
oughfares in coarse brown habit and sandals 
that merely protected the soles of his feet. 

Father P. Ryan, when his application to 
go to Memphis was not accepted, was soon to 
lay down his life among his own beloved peo- 
ple of Chattanooga. His brother, as I have 
stated (Father Michael), had to give him the 
last Sacraments, and assist in putting his 



SOME OUTSPOKEN FACTS. 205 

corpse in the coffin. After having buried 
his brother, the Bishop called him to Nash- 
ville. Before entering this city, he had to in- 
vest himself with a suit of new clothes, being 
ordered to bury outside the suburbs the gar- 
ments he wore while in Chattanooga. Soon 
after the epidemic had ceased, and while the 
odor of Fever was yet about him, he was sent 
to Memphis as assistant to Father Quinn, then 
pastor of St. Patrick's church. Although a 
young man of marked ability, his mind grad- 
ually gave way. At present, he is a demented 
inmate of St. Vincent's Hospital, St. Louis. 
(May God award him a martyr's crown.) 

The Priests' mound in Calvary cemetery. 
Memphis, enshrines the bones of veritable 
martyrs. If these men are not such, then 
•'dying for the faith and our fellow-men" is 
not martyrdom. The fact of Jesus dying for 
men is the most emphatic proof of incarnate 
love. Only some three or four Priests were 
bound ex-officio to remain in the city during 
the plague. All the others, without risk of 
reputation, could have saved their lives. 
They could be living now (like you, good 
reader), preparing for the peaceful advent of 
death in the midst of sympathizing friends, 
expecting to see " silver threads " commingle 
with their ebon or golden locks. No one 
shirked back to the rear ranks ; every sol- 



206 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

dier of the church stood in the van, and de- 
fied the arrows of death. This Christian 
squadron was not a heedless or a headless 
body. It was capital, corporate, and well 
organized as any army, having inferior and 
superior officers, guided by a vigilant Captain. 
All, even those who were bound to remain in 
the city, fought like jaded disciples. 

It is but trite tautology to state those Priests 
were neither Gods nor Angels ; they were men, 
having human sympathies and domestic rela- 
tions. (I have stated one was the youngest 
child of a family of twelve). When the wires 
and cables spread the tidings of their deaths, 
not only in this country was there wide-spread 
mourning, but far beyond the broad Atlantic : 
in Tipperary, Limerick, Cork, Kerry, Water- 
ford, Kilkenny, Carlow, Clare, and Cavan — 
yes, and farther East and South-East : in Bel- 
gium, France and Germany, aged parents 
wept and wished that God had taken them 
first. Since their " departure,"' many a lov- 
ing brother and sister have missed the long- 
expected and ever-welcome letter that bore 
the beautiful device, "The Goddess of Liberty" 
and conveyed sentiments of Hope, Love, and 
Life Eternal. 

But it may be argued that death is sure 
to come, soon or late; that those Priests might 
as well have died then, as later. This answer 



somb: outspoken facts. 207 

is first rate stuff for poetry, but the prose fact: 
there was not then, nor is there living at the 
present day, a royal head in Europe that 
would not part witli his crown before his life, 
unless honor, or the rights of others inter- 
fered. Should he make the opposite choice, 
I would be sorry to introduce such a stupe to 
any reader. These clergymen are not, and 
may never be, canonized ; but I declare they 
have done the work of Saints. Those Priest- 
sacrifices have been undeservedly overlooked 
by the Catholics of America, The genius of 
Memphis can proudly point her ringer at a 
congeries of martyr relics — twenty-two Priests 
and not less than fifty Nuns, within the pre- 
cincts of her Cemetery. What other city of 
America, or even Europe, unless we recall the 
victims of the Cromwellian cruelty or the Ro- 
man persecutions, can boast of a similar re- 
pository ? 

It may be said the Laity of Memphis suf- 
fered as much as the Priests and Nuns. That 
is a false assertion. No layman or woman of 
Memphis was exposed as were the Priests and 
Sisters. With each lay individual it was only 
a family trouble ; but the Priest had to attend 
to a whole parish. His mission was from 
house to house. When he bade farewell to 
one patient he had to go and close the eyes 
of another. This is neither poetry nor fiction. 



208 .HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

It is a cold fact. I myself stood at the death- 
bedside of more than eight hundred Catholics 
who perished in '73. Father Aloysius, during 
the three plagues, must have seen more than 
fifteen hundred of the laity appear before God 
with a Yellow-Fever face. Father William 
Walsh, I am sure, attended as many, if not 
more, than myself. What laymen or women 
volunteered to come to Memphis during the 
plagues, as did the Priests who died, and the 
six St. Joseph nuns who left St. Louis and 
came to Memphis during the rage of the Fe- 
ver? Point out similar laymen or women : — 
Doctors, Lawyers, Colonels, School teachers. 
One young woman of the laity. Miss Mattie 
Steveson, a poor but handsome girl, Avho left 
Indiana and volunteered to go to Memphis as 
nurse, perhaps for the sake of making an hon- 
est dollar or ten dollars a day, was immortal- 
ized — idolized — by the citizens of Memphis for 
nursing about five sick families. The citi- 
zens apportioned to her "remains'' a triangu- 
lar plot, over which they erected a most costly 
artistic monument, in Elm wood. I do not 
object to this. Let the people have their gods 
and goddesses. But neither gods nor god- 
desses should be overestimated. There was 
then many a Catholic Nun who concealed 
under a black veil as pretty a face as ever Miss 
Steveson sponged or powdered, who nursed not 



SOME OUTSPOKEN FACTS. 209 

merely five, but more than one hundred and five 
families, and yet there is not as much as a ce- 
dar plank to mark her "remains." 

The Sisters who had given up their mission 
in Memphis, but who volunteered to come 
from St. Louis (300 miles) to nurse the sick, 
received no stipulated or honorary remunera- 
tion from the citizens. Neither the Howards 
nor the Board of Health, nor any one of the 
so called Relief Committees, offered them even 
a vote of thanks. They had to bear their own 
travelling expenses to and from Memphis. 
But I forget. They were Religious. That 
abstract, religious, sometimes covers a multi- 
tude of the people's culpable thoughts, words 
and omissions. 

In the high sounding style of Talmage, 
•'The narrow-gauged course of philanthropy 
the Relief Committees and Howards pursued 
when aiding the Nuns and our Irish and 
Catholic people, left ample room for a double- 
gauged broad track of religious impartiality 
and christian charity." 

To counteract the apparent rebuke which 
these words tend to convey, I wish to state 
that as Priests and Sisters are not laboring for 
the things of this world, they feel fully com- 
pensated by their hopes of reward hereafter, 
as also by the respect and loyalty of the peo- 
ple. If the citizens, and especially the Cath- 



210 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

olics of Memphis, should forget or ignore the 
sacrifice and services of the Priesthood in the 
darkest hour of their municipal and social ex- 
istence, then I would say to them in the words 
of St. Chrysostom : — " Ungrateful Christians! 
is this your acknowledgment of the services 
the ministers of God have rendered to you ? 
Is it not by their hands you have been regen- 
erated in the waters of baptism? Is it not 
through their ministry that you received par- 
don for your sins? Do they not otter for you 
the Sacrifice which gives you the body and 
blood of Jesus Christ ? Are they not those 
who instruct you, and break for your children 
the bread of the divine word ? Who pray and 
open the kingdom of Heaven for you ?" 

Yes, Memphians, the Priests of your unfor- 
tunate city have heard the last words and 
messages; they have stood at the bedside and 
prayed and did all in their power for your 
loved and departed friends — in the words of 
the Saint, they broke for them the last bread 
of life, and opened the gates of Heaven for 
them. This is not all. They all died, or 
were ready and resolved to die to save the 
souls and relieve the bodies of your departed 
kindred. Other cities may fail to appreciate 
or admire the ordinary duties of its Priests, but 
let Memphisbe silent while she venerates the 
memory of men who lived and died in the 



GENERAL REMARKS. 211 

discharge of extraordinary duties. The graves 
of these departed heroes should bloom with 
perennial flowers. Their memories should be 
revered and their ashes venerated as those of 
veritable martyrs. 

As a practical suggestion, these last remarks 
J consider quite unnecessary. The Catholics 
of Memphis have always shown the greatest 
respect to their clergy. In all their appeals 
for the erection of churches, schools and other 
charitable purposes, my nine years' residence 
in that city forces me to avow they have been 
most generous, and might be favorably com- 
pared with the Catholics of any other city in 
the United States. As long as I live, I shall 
never forget the noble-hearted Catholics of 
Memphis. 

GENERAL REMARKS. 

Before concluding these " reminiscences," I 
trust the following general remarks will not 
overtask the reader's patience, in so far as 
they give a summary of Yellow Fever fatali- 
ties, as also a list of the important towns that 
contracted or escaped the contagion. 

During, and long after, the epidemic, a 
question was mooted — Which of the two 
sexes, men or women, displayed the greater 
courage or heroism ? As a direct answer 
might originate a domestic warfare, I feel 



212 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

loath to assume the responsibility of umpire 
in such an important question. I would 
much rather resume the main subject, or give 
a complete catalogue of all the inhabitants of 
each town in Tennessee, with a list of country 
barns, saw -mills, cotton-gins, horses, sheep, 
and oxen, than touch this knotty, or rather 
very naughty interrogatory. However, as 1 
am now twelve hundred miles distant from 
the enemy's camp, I make bold to state that 
in regard to the attention and care of the sick, 
women displayed more courage and unwearied 
patience than men. 

When the epidemic first broke out, the fe- 
males, or to be more concise in my Southern 
courtesy, the ladies (white and colored), ap- 
peared to be the more anxious party, as they 
were unquestionably more tearful and clam- 
orous. Husbands, in a few cases that I re- 
member, either deserted their wives, or, being 
away., refused to visit their prostrate fami- 
lies. I can recollect that in two or three 
instances brothers left their sisters to perish, 
while they boarded the first train bound for 
the North or East. Cases where wives de- 
serted their husbands, I failed to discover, al- 
though I am unwilling to state such desertion 
a moral impossibility. Indeed, there were 
some husbands that deserved to be forsaken, 
especially when during the Fever they had 



GENERAL REMARKS. 213 

an opportunity of returning to a state of grace 
and going to heaven. 

What I have said of wives, I am not pre- 
pared to affirm of unmarried ladies, dressy 
maidens, or female platform orators. I sup- 
pose it was their ''strength of mind 11 that su- 
perinduced those parties to take a little "va- 
cation" during the two autumns of '78 and 
'79. A vacation then, if not absolutely need- 
ful to recuperate lost physical energy, was 
most advisable, in so far as it saved the ex- 
penses of an undertaker. To this day, the 
undertakers view with a withering askance 
those fugitives that deprived them of the 
means Yellow Jack, by his unerring stroke, 
intended them to harvest. Trusting these 
prefatory remarks will create no ill feelings 
among either sex, I will now endeavor to 
summarize the havoc caused by the Yellow 
Fever during its prevalence in Memphis. 

The number who died of Fever in 1873 
(according to Keating's History, page 106,) 
was 2,000, of whom about 1,000 were Cath- 
olics. Five Priests and some twelve Nuns 
died this year. 

In 1878, according to medical estimate, 
5,150 persons died out of a population of 
19,600, while 17,000 took the Fever. The 
mortality among the whites was 70 per cent, 
and among the blacks 8 per cent. Of those 



214 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

who died of Fever, at least 2,000 were Cath- 
olics. If Ave include Father Ryan, of Chat- 
tanooga, thirteen Priests and about thirty 
Catholic Nuns died this year. 

In '79, about 800 inhabitants (of whom per- 
haps 400 were Catholics) died of Fever. Four 
Priests and some eight Nuns died this year. 

During the three epidemics of '73, '78 and 
'70. * Memphis lost nearly 8000 of her citi- 
zens, while the Catholic population was de- 
creased in membership about 3,400. 

The office of the Memphis Appeal lost twen- 
ty-one members of its staff; the Avalanche, 
its editor and business manager, with fifteen 
of its staff; the Evening Ledger, although 
twenty-five of its members w ? ere stricken 
down, lost but four of its staff 

Of the Police Department, twenty-seven 
out of a total of forty-eight men- were at- 
tacked, of whom ten died and seventeen con- 
valesced. The dead are as follows : Captain 
William Homan, Sergeant James McConnell, 
and Patrolmen James McConnell, William 
Unversagt, I. J. Huber, W. H. Sweeney. M. 
Cannon, M. Allison, Fred. Restmeyer, and 
Tim. Hope. 

Of the Fire Department, twenty-four men 
died: Capt. P. Haley, John Considine, Pat- 
rick Cronin, J. R. Luccarnia, Thomas Bren- 

* Before the Fever of '73, the population of Memphis averaged about 55,000 
and the Catholic population about 10,000. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 215 

nan, Felix Plaggio, Dennis Sullivan, Michael 
Fenney, Martin Carney, Michael Farrell, Ton v 
Griffin, John Leech, Patrick Connell, R. R. 
Lunch, Frank Saltglamaohia, Frank Frank, 
John Heath, C. E. Riordan, James Hannon, 
Austin Beatty, Sam. Townsend, Edward Mo- 
ran, Edward Lee and Thomas Heath. 

Thirty-four physicians died during the epi- 
demic of 1878 : Avent, Armstrong, Beecher, 
Clarke, Dawson, Dickerson, Erskine, Hodges, 
Hopson, Bond, Bankson, Bartholomew, Bur- 
cham, Chevis, Easley, Force, Forbes, Fort, 
Gorrell, Harlan, Ingalls, Lowry, Otey, Rogers, 
Robbins, Rogers, Watson, Woodward, Hicks. 
Heady, Keating, Kim, McKim, McGregor. 

The following table, taken from the Mem- 
phis Appeal of 1878, shows the progress of the 
disease during the climax of its prevalence : 

From July 10 to Sept. 6, 1878, 958 deaths were reported. 

Sept. 7.. : 1878, 97 " 

Sept. 8 1878, 99 " 

Sept 9 1878, 111 " 

Sept. 10 1878, 99 " 

Sept. 11 1878, 104 " 

Sept. 12 1878, 98 " 

Sept. 13 1878, 93 " 

Sept 14 1878, 127 " 

Sept. 15 1878, 98 " 

Sept. 18 1878, 111 " 

Sept. 17 1878, 96 " 

Sept. 18 1878, 68 " 

From the last date until about the 15th of October, 1878, the 
average death roll amounted to 50 daily. 



216 -HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

The figures in the foregoing table by no 
means furnish a correct list of each (lay's mor- 
tality. In fact, the journal from which the 
figures were transcribed made this admission. 
When we consider that there was no special 
law or punishment that could be enforced 
during this critical time to compel under- 
takers to report their number of daily burials 
to the Board of Health, and that such an ob- 
ligation, if not too onerous, was, to say the 
least, very annoying and unprofitable, it will 
be easy to comprehend how deficient the 
above table must be. A Memphis undertaker, 
after the Fever of '78, said in my presence, 
that he would depose on oath that on a cer- 
tain day in September, '78, more than two 
hundred corpses were deposited in different 
Cemeteries. [In Keating's History it is stated 
that (page 147) eight thousand took the Fever 
in one week of September.] If we believe 
this statement, (assuredly no one had more 
actual experience,) we could almost double 
the figures in the tabular list. But I will not 
require the reader to believe the foregoing 
figures could be multiplied by two in order to 
estimate the daily mortality in Memphis ; and 
as it would be ungenerous to misdoubt the 
undertaker's deposition we will simply admit 
the number he stated was only for one black 
day, to which lie called special attention. 



GENERAL REMARKS. 217 

In order to find out the daily number of 
fever-stricken patients, we will confine our- 
selves to the figures in the table. Let us take 
September 11 : one hundred and four (104) 
deaths were reported to the Board of Health 
for this day. — Sept. 14, 127 deaths — Sept. 16, 
111 deaths. Omitting the first month, during 
which almost every one who took the Fever 
died, it is not unreasonable to state that dur- 
ing the two remaining months two out of 
three recovered. Assuming this hypothesis, in 
order to form a fair estimate of all Avho were 
attacked, we are entitled to multiply the fig- 
ures of the table by three. Accordingly, for 
September 11, we would have 312 sick pa- 
tients ; for Sept. 14, 381, and for Sept. 16, 333. 
Now, taking into consideration the fact that 
the plurality of those who remained in the 
city were poor people, who had no means to 
fly from the plague and support themselves 
abroad for three months, and reconsidering 
that the greater portion of these were Catho- 
lics, who as yet form a majority of the poor 
white Southern inhabitants, we can form an 
idea of the labors of the three Priests who 
had to attend to almost all the sick calls of 
the city and two Camps. I say almost all, for 
the reason that the Priests who fell took the 
disease after the first, second or third exposure. 
On Sept. 14, there must have been at least 300 



218 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

sick calls, thus affording 100 calls for each 
Priest. 

After this very judicious division of day 
and night work, I think New-England cler- 
gymen need not complain of being overbur- 
dened with sick " calls." 

Hearing a young Priest of this locality ask 
me with animation to guess how many sick 
persons he attended one day last Summer, I 
could scarcely conceal a smile when he averred 
that he attended nine sick calls ! 

I trust the reader will not consider it a vain 
boast when I state that in October of '73, I 
visited one hundred sick persons in one day. 
This would be quite impossible were I obliged 
to go to separate houses. In a boarding-house, 
corner of Front and Market streets, facing the 
river, I anointed by one repetition of the ritual 
" form," ten persons in the same room. I feel 
convinced that the Priests who attended the 
fever-stricken in Memphis, in '78, (Fathers 
Kelly, Aloysius and Walsh,) could enumerate 
a larger record. It was out of the question 
for a Priest to think of returning home to 
take meals during the crisis of the scourge. 
A morsel, placed before him by friends 
on his way, was all he could expect. Al- 
though the parishioners were very reasonable 
regarding night " calls," still, sudden, if not 
injudicious or intemperate " calls," obliged 



GENERAL REMARKS. 219 

the Memphis Priest to keep his eves wide 
awake. 

Having reluctantly made use of the pro- 
noun I, in the preceding examples, I would 
plead immunity from egotism or vanity, when 
I declare I have had no other motive save 
that of recording the unvarnished truth. As 
I have never held pretensions to extraordi- 
nary zeal in the exercise of my "calling," I 
simply state that I only did my duty for the 
time, and that were any other Priest of the 
diocese in my place, he would have done as 
well — perhaps a great deal better. 

As I have insinuated, the facts I relate are 
known to at least fifteen thousand people in 
Memphis and throughout the State of Ten- 
nessee ; I now beg to state that rather than 
maliciously indite misstatements regarding 
persons or events, I would unhesitatingly 
burn this manuscript. I do not say this book 
contains all indubitable facts. " Humanum 
est errare." I would simply state that while 
inditing the work, I really meant to record 
the truth and nothing but the truth. 

Begging the reader's pardon for this diver- 
sion, I will now resume the rest of the. subject 
as promised in the " General Remarks. " 

The following are the principal cities, towns 
and villages, besides Memphis, where Yellow 
Fever appeared in '78: — Chattanooga, [300]. 



220 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

The figures in brackets show the distance from 
Memphis. Father P. Ryan, who died of Fever 
in '78, was resident pastor of this city. Pres- 
ent population, 12,802. Brownsville, [57], 
attended by Father P. O'Brien, present pastor 
of Lake View, Chicago ; present population, 
2,475. Humboldt, [87], attended by Father 
O'Brien, had a few cases (isolated) of Fever; 
population 1,636. Milan, [93], attended by 
Father O'Brien, had also a few isolated fever 
cases; population, 1,093. McEwen City, [175] 
attended by Rev. John Fahey ; population 
300. Grand Junction, [52], attended b} T Rev. 
P. O'Brien; population 450. Paris, [131], 
population 1,800, had several cases of Fever ; 
attended by Rev. D. A. Quinn. Covington, 
[37], population 100; attended by Rev. D. A. 
Quinn. Several smaller towns — Shelby, [19], 
Mason, [3(3], Stanton, [44], Kerrville, [20], 
Germantown, [15], Moscow, [31], suffered 
from the Fever of '78. In the State of Arkan- 
sas, opposite Memphis, Hopefielcl, [2], and 
Mound ( 1 ity, [5], attended by Father William 
Walsh, were decimated by the Fever. 

CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ESCAPED THE FEVER. 

Nashville. — The largest city of Tennessee 
that escaped the Fever, is the capital of the 
State, Nashville, having a population of more 
than fifty thousand. It appeared miraculous 



CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ESCAPED THE FEVER. 221 

that this city should escape, being in the cen- 
tre of the State and surrounded on all sides 
by towns ravaged by the Plague. Although 
Nashville had heretofore been the rival of 
Memphis in wealth and population, she gen- 
erously received all Memphis refugees and 
harbored the orphans sent from the latter 
town, many of whom had the Fever. This 
beautiful little city is indeed entitled to the 
gratitude of Memphians for the philanthropy 
and christian charity she extended during the 
darkest days of their municipal existence. 
At present there are four catholic churches 
within the city limits : the Cathedral, As- 
sumption Church (German), St. Joseph's, 
West Nashville, and St. Oolumba's, East Nash- 
ville. The Catholic population of the city 
may be estimated at ten thousand. For Cath- 
olic schools and educational institutions, 
Nashville is not only a model for southern, 
but for many larger northern cities of greater 
pretensions. Besides four parish schools and 
a college for boys, there are two select female 
Academies. St. Bernard's, under the direction 
of the Sisters of Mercy, stands within a few 
hundred yards of the Cathedral, and under 
the shadow of the State Capitol — the latter 
said to be the third finest State structure in 
America. The parish school, also conducted 
by the Sisters of Mercy, is situated opposite 



222 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

the Capitol and within a few hundred feet of 
the Academy. This church property is of 
enormous value, being in the heart of the city 
and surrounded by marble mansions valued 
by thousands of dollars a foot. About six 
hundred children attend the Cathedral parish 
school. 

St. Cecilia's Academy, or in conformity to 
more aesthetic parlance, St. Cecilia's Young 
Ladies' Seminary, under the conduct of the 
Sisters of St. Dominic, has been for the past 
twenty years the favorite " Alma Mater" of 
many of the prominent ladies of different 
creeds and nationalities, hailing from Tennes- 
see, Kentucky, Alabama, the two Carolinas, 
and Georgia, The horse-cars accommodate 
passengers almost as far as the Seminary, 
Avhich is itself a magnificent building, en- 
closing an area of some ten acres. Would 
that the inmates of Vassar had the bright 
laughing faces of the young ladies of this in- 
stitution. 

In Nashville there is also a most commo- 
dious orphan asylum under the management 
of the Dominican Sisters, who, besides board- 
ing and clothing, give a salutary education 
to some four hundred waifs. 

It is a noteworthy fact that the Catholics 
of Nashville, without resorting to fairs, pic- 
nics, bazaars, or other obsolete church money- 



CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ESCAPED THE FEVER. 223 

making devices, voluntarily contribute four 
thousand dollars annually for the support of 
their orphans. Waiving further reference to 
the charities and church progress of Nash- 
ville, I will endeavor to give the reader a 
cursory view of its physical aspect. 

The Post Office, on Broad street, composed 
of white Tennessee marble, if Ave except the 
Capitol, is the finest public building in the 
State. All the chief streets and thorough- 
fares, at night, are illuminated by electric 
lamps swung from circular arches. A costly 
suspension bridge spans the Cumberland 
river, that divides East Nashville from the 
city. The Vanderbilt and Fisk Universities, 
whose erection cost millions of dollars, adorn 
the suburbs of West Nashville. That which 
this thriving city wants most — its greatest, 
its almost intellectual want — is a city park. 
It is strange that such a wealthy and refined 
people should overlook such an addition to 
their many other civic advantages, while they 
are content to gaze upon the murky walls of 
the " Old Market House," which, it seems, is 
the only obstacle to such an enterprise. 

The city of Nashville is built upon, and 
surrounded by, rocky hills. Almost in the 
heart of the city there is a beautiful sulphur 
spring, wmose curative properties have been 
approved by some of its best physicians. The 



224 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

•Cumberland, although itself a commodious 
and pretty stream, occasionally causes great 
damage to houses and lumber located near 
its banks. In 1882, when the river had risen 
to its highest water-mark, I remember attend- 
ing a sick merchant named Doherty, residing 
in College, a central, and one of the finest 
streets of the city. To reach his house, I and 
the physician had to take a skiff, in order to 
•enter the second story window of his resi- 
dence, which was submerged in twelve feet 
of water. The gentleman is still living, and 
remembers with pleasure this eventful epi- 
sode. Notwithstanding this little queen city 
gets a casual surf-bath, this fact does not 
dampen the ardor of the citizens, who claim 
for Nashville the sobriquet of " Rose " or 
4i Rock JJ city. Indeed, every one who visits 
Nashville is bound to favor her pretensions 
to cleanliness and beauty. On the pinnacle 
of her capitol, Nashville could plant a flag 
•emblazoned with the words: "No Yellow 
Fever spore can enter this Burgh." < )n the 
.flag-staff, however, it would not be out of 
place to pencil : " Rock citizens ! Beware of 
Cholera!" 

Knoxville [450]. — Population, 15,000 ; 
Pastor in 78, as also at present, Rev. Fran- 
cis Marron. 

( )l arks ville £199]. — This little town, hav- 



CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ESCAPED THE FEVER. 225 

ing a population of 6,000, displayed much 
philanthropy during the Fever panics. Sev- 
eral refugees from Memphis, one of whom 
had a genuine case of Yellow Fever, were 
allowed to enter. The citizens displayed far 
more courage and liberality than could be 
seen elsewhere throughout the State. Rev. 
P. J. Gleason was Pastor here during the epi- 
demics. Rev. A. Vaghi is at present Pastor. 
Although the Catholics in this little town do 
not outnumber one hundred families, they 
can boast having one of the finest Catholic 
•churches in the State, besides a parish school 
and select academy, in charge of the Sisters 
of Charity, being a branch of the house of 
Nazareth, Ky. All modern improvements — 
water-works, street railroads, and gas-works — 
accommodate the citizens. Messrs. S. and M. 
•Sullivan, Parlin, Abbott, Boy Ian, Nolan and 
Dennehy are true Catholics in every sense. 

Jackson [100]. — The inhabitants of Jack- 
son, numbering about 6,000, pretend their 
city, as second-class, is far superior to Clarks- 
ville in wealth, population, and municipal 
prestige. For tourists and strangers, the best 
policy is to let the Jacksonites enjoy their 
civic vanity, for it must be remembered they 
are the people who inaugurated the shot-gun 
reign during the Fevers of '78 and ? 79 ; who 
broke a parlor stove, fearing it contained a 



226 HEROES AND HEROINES OF MEMPHIS. 

spore of small-pox ; and who, if a bird or four- 
footed brute came from Memphis during fever- 
quarantine, would either shoot or have it dis- 
infected three miles outside the city limits. 
There is a ( Catholic church in Jackson, -erected 
by the late Rev. E. Doyle, who died in 79. 
It also lias a select academy and parish school. 
The present Pastor is a Rev. Timothy Abbott. 
Should Yellow Fever ever invade Jackson, 
and this clergyman pass unscathed its quar- 
antine regulations and by-laws, he ought to 
be promoted a mitred Abbot. I trust it will 
not incite the spirit of envy, when I mention 
among the exceptionally good Catholics of 
Jackson, Judge Freeman (a convert) and his 
excellent lady : Messrs. McMullen, Carr and 
< 'unningham. 

All the Priests who attended the Fever- 
stricken, during the Memphis epidemics, have 
either died or left the diocese, except Rev. 
William Walsh, Pastor St. Bridget's church; 
Rev. A. Luiselli, Pastor St. Joseph's church ; 
and Rev. John Veale, Pastor St. Patrick's, 
who attended some Fever cases in '73. 

In addition to the irreparable shock which 
cholera and Yellow Fever epidemics imparted 
to the physical and financial prosperity of the 
city, the progress of Catholicity, after the 
panic had subsided, was destined to receive 
another crushing stroke. I refer to the order 



CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ESCAPED THE FEVER. 227 

from Rome enjoining Right Rev. P. A. Fee- 
han to resign his charge in Nashville, and 

assume the more exalted dignity, the Archi- 
episcopate of Chicago. If this promotion 
(which his talents, prudence and zeal justly 
merited) contributed to the prestige of Chi- 
cago, the consequent orbitude of the diocese 
of Nashville was equivalently depressing. 

From the 10th of September, 1880, until 
the 24th of June, 1883, (almost three years) 
the diocese of Nashville was left without a 
Bishop. It is true an Administrator was ap- 
pointed to govern during the interval, but 
this Reverend old gentleman found the task 
of healing the wounds of an impecunious and 
afflicted diocese impracticable. It required 
a man of unquestionable ability to resume 
the crozier which the late Bishop had laid 
aside. At length, after long and anxious sus- 
pense, it pleased the authorities in Rome to 
appoint a successor to Bishop Feehan. Al- 
though it may appear audacious of me to give 
an opinion as to the relative merits of men in 
every sense my superiors, yet as the subject 
requires some- reference, I do not hesitate to 
state that the promotion to the See of Nash- 
ville of Right Rev. Joseph Rademacher was 
most eligible and opportune. Having been 
called from his large and wealthy pastorate in 
Lafayette, Indiana, he has been deservedly 



228 HEROES AND HEROINES OP MEMPHIS. 

credited with more than ordinary prudence, 
religions zeal and financial ability. 

This young Bishop was born in Clinton 
Co., Mich., December 3, 1840. He made his 
classical, philosophical and theological studies 
at St. Vincent's College, Westmoreland Co., 
and at St. Michael's Seminary, near Pittsburg, 
Pa. He was ordained in the Cathedral of 
Fort Wayne, Ind., August 2, 1863. During 
eight years he was Pastor of St. Mary's chapel, 
Fort Wayne, and for three years Pastor of St. 
Mary's, Lafayette, Inch, when he was conse- 
crated Bishop of Nashville, 24th June, 1883. 
Although he appears younger than most of 
the Priests of his diocese, he possesses the ex- 
perience and executive ability of older heads 
in the Episcopacy. Though his surname, 
(Rademacher, wheelwright), may do violence 
to the dental defects of some of our old Irish 
people, his pleasing face and affable manners 
will win their hearts. Since his advent to the 
State, the Catholics of Tennessee appear to be 
gaining courage and forgetting their past mis- 
fortunes. His demeanor towards Priests and 
people is admitted to be highly satisfactory, 
while his every-day increasing popularity 
threatens to outrival the fame of his illustri- 
ous predecessor. May no clouds of early sor- 
row blanch his saintly countenance ; may he 
never have cause to regret his mission among 



CITIES AND TOWNS THAT ESCAPED THE FEVER. 229 

the clergy and Catholic laity of the diocese. 
In conclusion, I would implore the God of 
Mercies to accept the innocent blood of the 
martyr Priests and People, as a propitiatory 
sacrifice; to withhold the scourge of his wrath 
and spare poor Memphis from a repetition of 
her past disasters. Amen. 



20 




YELLOW FEVER. 



The Yellow Fever, or as Dowell prefers to term it, 
febris typhus icterodes, or febris cam nigro vomito, or 
Jievere jaune, of the French, and nigro vomito from the 
Spanish, was known to the Caribs, according to Breton, 
who wrote in 1655, by the French " covp de barre," ex- 
pressive of the muscular pains of the Fever, as if pro- 
duced by blows from a stick. 

The visitations of Yellow Fever to this and other coun- 
tries, whether epidemic or not, so far as any record of 
them has been preserved, follow in regular sequence, its 
origin, causes, methods and means of propagation, and 
of transmission, diagnosis, and cure. It has never made 
its appearance in Asia nor in Australia, nor in any of the 
islands of the Pacific Ocean ; and it has only been felt 
sporadically on the Pacific coast of North and South 
America. In Europe, it has invaded Spain, Portugal, 
Italy, France and England. In South America, it has 
prevailed in British Guiana, Columbia, Peru, Bolivia, 
Buenos Ayres, and the Brazils. In North America, it 
has invaded Honduras, Mexico, all the West India Isl- 
ands, Canada, and the following States of the Union : 
Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New 
Hampshire, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
New York, Delaware, Maryland, Illinois, Indiana, Mis- 
souri, Ohio, Kentucky. West Virginia, Virginia, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, 
Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, Texas ; also, 
the Indian Territory. It is said to have originated in 
Africa, but of this we know nothing. The following 
treatise on Yellow Fever, taken from Neil and Smith's 
Analytical Compendium of Medicine, is a reliable thesis :. 



YELLOW FEVER. 231 

YELLOW FEVER. 

Syu.— Typhus Icterodcs.— Bulam Fever.— Vomito negro.— Vomito Prieto, 

This is a disease of warm climates, depending upon a 
special cause, occurring mostly during the summer months 
and ceasing on the appearance of frost. It is met with 
chiefly in towns upon the seaboard, or upon streams emp- 
tying into the ocean. 

Symptoms. — The attack may or may not be preceded 
b} T prodromic symptoms, very often coming on without 
any warning, and occurring in the midst of ordinary 
health. It is generally ushered in with a chill and se- 
'vere pain in the back and limbs. After febrile reaction 
has been established, the skin is hot and dry, the respi- 
ration hurried, the face flushed, the eyes red and watery, 
and the conjunctiva much injected. There is a sense of 
uneasiness, sometimes tenderness, at the epigastrium, 
accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The tongue is 
at first moist, and covered with a yellowish-white fur ; 
there is also extreme thirst. The pulse ranges from the 
natural standard to 120° or even 140°. Sometimes it is 
unnaturally slow ; either extreme is significant of great 
danger. Sometimes there are delirium and prostration ; 
at others, the mind is clear, and the muscular strength 
unimpaired. The bowels are ordinarily costive, and when 
the discharges are obtained, they are commonly unhealthy 
in character. As the disease advances the pain in the 
limbs becomes more intense, especially in the lower ex- 
tremities, the calves and front of the legs. This stage is 
called by some authors the stage of invasion, and lasts 
from a few hours to three days ; the shorter the duration, 
the more violent, generally, is the disease. 

After this comes the stage of remission, or, as it is 
sometimes called, stage without fever. All the symptoms 
abate, and the patient seems to be convalescent ; there 
are symptoms present, however, b}' which the experienced 



232 YELLOW FEVER. 

arc warned of the continuance of the disease. It is not 
the same as the remission of bilious fever, but is pro- 
duced by the exhaustion of the powers of the system. 
The epigastrium is even more tender upon pressure, the 
skin becomes yellow or orange color, the urine assumes a 
yellow tinge, and the pulse sometimes siuks as low as 
forty in the minute. After a short calm the stomach as- 
sumes its former irritability, and the peculiar substance 
called black vomit is ejected. The tongue is dry, brown, 
and chapped. The patient becomes more and more pros- 
trated ; there are, at times, passive hemorrhages, at others, 
suppression of urine, or retention, The pulse becomes 
more and more feeble, the respiration sighing, the matter 
ejected from the stomach is brought up without effort, 
and discharges of the same matter take place from the 
bowels. This stage is sometimes called the stage of col- 
lapse. Sometimes, instead of collapse, symptoms of re- 
action set in, which are always to be regarded as a salu- 
tary effort of nature, sometimes terminating in health, 
sometimes, however, running on to extreme exhaustion, 
or assuming a typhoid form. 

Anatomical characters. — The membranes of the brain 
are often found injected, and serum effused into the ven- 
tricles. The stomach usually presents traces of inflam- 
mation, having its mucous coat either reddened, thick- 
ened, softened, or eroded. The peculiar matter called 
black vomit, is now generally believed to be blood al- 
tered by admixture with the acid secretion of the stomach. 
The liver is altered in color and consistence. According 
to Dr. J. Hastings, late of the U. S. N., it resembles old 
boxwood in color, and is much harder than natural. Some- 
times it is dry and anaemic, though rarely inflamed. It 
varies in color from a lemon-yellow to a straw color, and 
in consistence, from being soft and friable to positive in- 
duration. It often presents evidence of fatty degenera- 
tion. 



YELLOW FEVER. 233 

Cause. — Speculation is rife as to the cause of this dis- 
ease. There is no doubt that it is as specific as that of 
small pox, though of its precise nature nothing definite is 
known. Heat and filth, alone, are not able to produce 
it ; neither are marsh miasmata, independently of other 
causes. The idea that it is owing to the same cause as 
that which produces remittent fever, is erroneous ; for in 
many parts of the world where the latter disease is con- 
stantly occurring, yellow fever has never been known ; 
again-, yellow fever especially prevails in large towns ; 
this is not the case with remittent fever. Acclimated 
persons are very seldom attacked with yellow fever, while 
it is well known that one attack of bilious fever secures 
no exemption from another. Nor are the symptoms of 
the two diseases alike ; the first stage of yellow fever is 
continuous for one, two, or three days, while bilious fever 
remits from the first. As regards its contagiousness the 
weight of evidence and authority is divided. Dixon be- 
lieves it to be contagious and portable. Others deny it 
altogether. Strangers are more liable to it than long res- 
idents, and whites more than negroes. Among the pre- 
disposing causes are exposure, intemperance, fear, and 
sudden changes of the weather. 

Diagnosis. — At first it is not easy. As the disease ad- 
vances, however, the severe pains in the back and lower 
extremities, the peculiar injection of the conjunctiva, the 
excessive irritability of the stomach, the yellowness of 
the skin, and finally black vomit, are enough to diagnos- 
ticate the disease. 

Prognosis. — Generally regarded as unfavorable, though 
much depends upon the person attacked, the character of 
the epidemic, and the severity of the symptoms. Symp- 
toms of great prostration are very unfavorable, and a to- 
tal suppression of urine is certainly a fatal sign. Stran- 
guary, however, is regarded as a favorable sign. 

Treatment. — Early in the disease, before there is much 

20* 



234 YELLOW FEVER. 

irritability of stomach, an emetic is of great service, 
particularly if the stomach be loaded ; it should only 
be used, however, under these circumstances. Blood- 
letting, to be of service, should be employed early, and 
even then not unless called for by the violence of the 
symptoms and state of the pulse. Cold affusion is highly 
recommended. Mercurials are, on all sides, declared to 
be of great service in this disease. They should be ad- 
ministered, first, with a view to their cathartic action, 
and then to their specific influence, as rapidly as possible. 
Febrifuge medicines are also called for ; of these, per- 
haps none is so good as ice given internally, together 
with cool sponging externally — the latter with caution. 
Ice often allays the irritability of the stomach. To the 
same end, the effervescing draught may be employed, 
and sinapsisms or leeches externally. If the pain in the 
head is very great, cups or leeches may be employed, 
together with cold applications to the part. In the sec- 
ond stage, the febrifuge and depleting remedies should 
be suspended, except the mercurials, to which may be 
added the acetate of lead, with a view of diminishing 
the inflammation of the stomach, and also for its astrin- 
gent properties. Blisters may also be applied to the epi- 
gastrium and the raw surface sprinkled with acetate of 
morphia. The muriated tincture of iron is highly rec- 
ommended, in doses from 20 to 60 drops every two hours. 
Its administration should be commenced before the black 
vomit appears. Acetate of lead has also been found 
useful given early. In the third stage, cordials and stim- 
ulants are demanded. Sulphate of quinia, infusions of 
bark, or serpentaria, carb. of ammonia, capsicum, tur- 
pentine, wine whey, or brandy and water, may be admin- 
istered. External stimulants, such as frictions, sina- 
pisms, hot baths, etc., may also be found beneficial. 
The apartment should be kept well ventilated, and all 
exerementitious matters removed. 



A S i r NOPSIS 



Missionary Lite Id Eastern Arkansas, 



From 1874 to 1878, while I chose Memphis 
my place of residence, I had charge of Mis- 
sions located in four States, embracing a ter- 
ritory subdivided into twenty-three counties 
— a district unquestionably larger than all 
Ireland. 

The following counties in Tennessee : Fay- 
ette, Hardeman, Tipton, Lauderdale, Crockett, 
Dyer, Gibson, Obion, Lake, and a part of 
Shelby. [10.] 

In Arkansas : Crittendon, Crosse, St. Fran- 
cis, Mississippi, Craighead, Poinsett, Prairie 
and Woodruff. [8.] 

In Mississippi : De Soto, and a part of Tu- 
nica and Marshall counties. [3.] 

In southern Missouri : Pemiscott and Dun- 
klin counties. [2.] 

As the country missions in Tennessee, Mis- 
sissippi and southern Missouri are not very 
unlike those in northern or western States, 
I shall not detain the reader by any detailed 
account of their hardships or facilities. My 



236 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

object in referring to them at all is simply to 
show the scarcity of Priests and the paucity 
of Catholics throughout these regions. Lest 
I should incur the taunt of egotism, I beg the 
reader to excuse, in the subsequent narrative, 
the frequent repetition of the pronoun I, 
which cannot be eschewed without seriously 
detracting from the import of what I write. 

The following are the towns and villages 
of eastern Arkansas I had to attend for four 
years : Hopeflelcl [2]. The figures in brackets 
denote in miles the distance from Memphis. 
Mound City [5], Marion [14], Edmonson 
[IT], Madison [41], Forest City [45], Pal- 
estine [52], Brinkley [70], De Vall's Bluff 
[87], Carlisle [103], Osceola [90], Gayosa 
[100], Kennet [110], Wittsburg [60]. 

As a medical doctor cannot ply his craft 
without the needful instruments, drugs, and 
vulnerary appliances, for graver reasons the 
spiritual physician must bring with him ev- 
ery tiling necessary for the decent administra- 
tion of the Sacraments and the cure of souls. 
I shall preface my synopsis with a list of a 
missionary's complete outfit. 

a priest's missionary valise. 

A valise available for the country missions 
should be of bivalve formation : one section 
reserved for ecclesiastical, and the other for 



A priest's missionary valise. 237 

secular appurtenances. The ecclesiastical bi- 
partition should contain : an altar-stone, chal- 
ice, paten, crucifix, missal and stand, (vest- 
ments, one color for all occasions), chasuble, 
maniple, stole, cincture, alb, amice, cassock, 
burse, with three purificators, corporal and 
pall, chalice-covering, three altar-linens, fin- 
ger-towel, three altar-cards, one papal prayer, 
altar wine, altar breads (large and small), a 
pair of army candlesticks with two candles, 
ritual, purple stole, breviary, book of epistles 
and gospels, a little bell, three sermons, (lec- 
tures if possible). (The Bishop of Tennessee 
required a stole and surplice for the adminis- 
tration of the last Sacraments.) With the 
above, should also be carefully packed a num- 
ber of rosary-beads, scapulars, agnus Deis, and 
lace pictures ; near which should be orderly 
shelved, a baptismal registry, a number of 
catechisms, polemic tracts, and a sufficient 
number of controversial works, such as the 
Faith of our Fathers, Catholic Belief, Why 
am I a Catholic, etc., etc. The Missionary 
should never forget to bring, about his per- 
son, a pix and replenished oil stocks, and a 
small vial of baptismal water. 

The secular division of the valise should 
contain three or four days' supply of Graham 
crackers, a patent alcohol stove, with supply, 
small tea or coffee pot. a can of beef, a fan to 



238 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

ward off the mosquitoes, and a bottle of pen- 
nyroyal to banish midnight vampires. After 
all these things are systematically adjusted, 
there will be plenty of room for a moderate 
variety of under-clothing, hose, handker- 
chiefs, towels, gents' toilet and dressing case, 
collars, cuffs, matches, stationery, etc. Itine- 
rant Preachers generally provide themselves 
with a revolver or shot gun, to guard against 
wild animals or robbers ; but as a Priest would 
become irregular" were he to shed human 
blood, he is not expected to carry firearms, 
either in his pocket or valise. If the mis- 
sionary should have piscatorial propensities, 
he should fasten to the outer straps of his 
valise a patent fishing-rod, with a capacious 
umbrella, impervious to rain or sunshine. 
Charged with this portmanteau, the young 
missionary might go forth to combat the 
Powers of Darkness, and evangelize the be- 
nighted natives scattered through the prai- 
ries, forests and swamps of Arkansas. 

It may be urged that some of the above- 
mentioned articles might be dispensed with. 

I grant that in missions where vestments, 
chalice, etc., are preserved in the church, and 
where catholic families afford accommodation 
for the Priest, several of the above-mentioned 
articles might be left out ; but while attend- 
ing the missions of eastern Arkansas, the 



a priest's missionary valise. 239 

Priest could not overlook any of the above- 
mentioned details. Is there anything in the 

ecclesiastical portion a Priest could conscien- 
tiously omit? It may be said that rosary 
beads, scapulars and pictures might be ex- 
cluded. I can assure the reader these things 
are anxiously besought by the country folk, 
and contribute to preserve the faith in those 
who might otherwise become lukewarm or 
apostate. Referring to the secular division 
of the valise I beg to state, that it is not for 
the sake of enlarging the list that I have 
mentioned so many articles apparently super- 
numerary. I can aver I seldom or never 
failed to bring with me on the missions a va- 
lise containing all of the above-mentioned ap- 
purtenances, and being in delicate health, 1 
had also to provide myself with medicines 
and other necessary restoratives. I assure 
the reader that should a Priest fail to bring 
those missionary adjuncts, besides having his 
night or clay's rest disturbed, he would inva- 
riably find his stomach as well as his purse, 
very slender, before he returned to his central 
habitation. Besides being guided by memo- 
ry, his judgment should suggest to have the 
altar-stone and luggage as light as possible, 
in order to facilitate their carriage from and 
to the depot or steamboat landing. It some- 
times happened that an Irishman at hand 



2-40 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

would proffer to bring the Priest's valise; oc- 
casionally he would be invited to take break- 
fast or dinner with some catholic family; but 
as these were mostly all poor through the 
missions of Arkansas, such chances were 
rather exceptional. I remember once, while 
crossing the Devall's Bluff Prairie, the vil- 
lainous horse which I rode gave a sudden 
plunge and upset me and the valise I held 
on his back. As the brute scampered away, 
seemingly delighted at being relieved of his 
burden, I had to shoulder my baggage in 
the midst of a scorching summer's day, as 
far as the neighboring woods, a distance of 
four miles. I then learned how much more 
expedite it was to have transferred to saddle- 
bags the contents of my valise, while attend- 
ing missions on horseback. Unless an an- 
nual " free pass" were given, a Priest could 
not, without being financially destitute, at- 
tend any of the missions in eastern Arkansas. 

HOPEFIELD, MARION AND MOUND CITY. 

The town of Hopefield, in the County of 
Crittendon, and State of Arkansas, is situated 
opposite Memphis. It is quite unnecessary 
for tourists or landlopers to know its latitude 
and longitude; this information is indispen- 
sable only to steamboat captains and river- 
men, who during a part of the spring and fall 



HOPEFIELD, MARION AND MOUND CITY. 241 

have to rely on the compass and sun in order 
to find out its position in the map of the 
world. Hopefield is not the chief city, for 
in size and population it is second to Marion, 
the Capital of Crittendon county. Mound 
City ranks next to Hopefield in commercial 
importance, as also in its similar advantage, 
being built on the river. Within the city 
limits, covering an area of one square mile, 
(in 1878) there were eleven houses, three of 
which were lager-beer saloons, and all the 
rest boarding-houses, except one, which ap- 
propriated the title: — " Hopefield Tavern." 
[Several railroad men boarded here.] 

In the early part of '78, one Stephen Mc- 
Neil, an Irish resident of Little Rock, do- 
nated me a portion of the suburbs of Hope- 
field for the purpose of erecting a church 
thereon. As the Catholics of this town had 
always been very liberal, their offerings ena- 
bled me to build a church thirty feet long, 
sixteen feet wide and twelve feet high. This 
church, to which I shall again make refer- 
ence, was dedicated with due solemnity by 
the Bishop of Little Rock, a few weeks before 
the Yellow Fever appeared in Memphis, in 
1878. 

Although the Mississippi separates the two 
cities, Memphis conveyed a case of Fever to 
Hopefield that was unmistakeably genuine, 



242 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

and which the poor "Democrats" working 
on the railroad declared was the only genuine 
"article" Memphis ever shipped to Hopefielcl. 
The little town was more than decimated. 
Jerry Stack and wife, Mike Glittery and wife, 
a Mrs. O'Keeffe, and several others (R. I. P.) 
the Yellow Fever caused to cross a deeper 
and wider River than the Mississippi. Only 
one Catholic family survived the epidemic. 
This sad fact induced me to write to the 
Bishop for permission to sell the church. 
He consented. Although the building had 
cost five hundred, it was sold for one hundred 
dollars to a Mr. John Leonard, who afterwards 
sold it to negroes, who now hold their mid- 
night orgies in it. 

The reader may be surprised that suburban 
property so near the thriving city of Memphis 
should be sold for such a small amount. This 
surprise will vanish when I state that, unless 
to some enterprising restaurateur who might 
make great profit by the sale of mud-turtles, 
eels, and bullfrogs, no one else would give 
five hundred dollars for the whole county of 
( Yittendon. I would be sorry, and would 
positively refuse to act, should some deceased 
relative appoint me sole executor of Hope- 
field, Mound City, or Marion, the Capital of 
the county. 

Some one may ask — Have I anything good 



HOPEFIELD, MARION AND MOUND CITY. 243 

to say of Hopefield ? Yes ! the few ( Jathol ics 

that lived and died there shall ever have a 
r remembrance " in my humble prayers. In 
justice to the town itself, I am willing to ad- 
mit that not even Paris, London or New York 
reveals the creative bounties of Providence 
more vividly than Hopefield, Mound City or 
Marion, seen through a mosquito-canopy or 
a microscope. The Memphis & Little Rock 
and Memphis & Kansas railroads have their 
termini in Hopefield, from which the trains 
are conveyed to and from Memphis on ferry- 
boats. The inhabitants entertain the notion 
that at some future day a great iron bridge 
will span the river, and thus make Hopefield 
another East St. Louis. My suspicions are 
quite contrary. Should the Mississippi be 
bridged over at Memphis during the present 
century, I have no doubt Hopefield would be 
entirely ignored. Before Hopefield can ex- 
pect to compete with East St. Louis or Brook- 
lyn, the entire county of Crittendon should 
be lifted at least twenty feet above its present 
barometrical elevation. :;: 

Meanwhile, let our best wishes favor the 
ecclesiastical, political and commercial pros- 
perity of Hopefield, Marion and Mound City. 

*In 1811. an earthquake lowered the region of country about New Madrid 
(bordering on Crittendou county) ten feet below its previous level. The de- 
pression was so great that the rivers flowing into the Mississippi turned back 
against their BOurce.—Scribner'8 Ma gu sine for March, 1887. 



244 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

FOREST CITY, BRINKLEY, OSCEOLA AND OTHER 
MISSIONS. 

Fearing that a detailed description of the 
other towns located on the missionary dis- 
trict apportioned to me, may prove uninter- 
esting, if not tedious to the reader, I shall 
simply refer to them in a general way. The 
Missions in Tennessee and Kentucky assume 
an attitude of civil enterprise nearly equal if 
not similar to that of Northern States. The 
Missions in Arkansas are primitive, and 
hitherto I have not seen any description that 
has done justice to their originality. The 
inhabitants, ( Jatholic and Protestant, the 
churches, the towns, the railroads, and the 
very waters themselves, all appear to be dif- 
ferent from what you would expect to find 
elsewhere. On the walls of some of the coun- 
try churches you read in large Roman letters: 
''Please avoid talking and spitting;" "No 
lady or gentleman will spit on the floor," &c. 
The bayous and sluices, instead of flowing 
towards the river, as even the course of nature 
would seem to facilitate, in Arkansas run di- 
rectly from the river, (see "Mississippi" in 
Applet on's Encyclopedia.) 

The first time I celebrated Mass in Arkan- 
sas, I felt I was dealing with a very singular 
part of the globe. Hence, while narrating 



FOREST CITY AND OTHER MISSIONS. 245 

some ludicrous things, I fear I have to assume 
a tone of hilarity rather unbeseeming a man 
of my years, yet, were I to overlook them, I 
could not verify my promise to furnish a 
" graphic " account of the Missions. 

Referring to my first Mass in Arkansas, 
during the service, or manner of serving, 
(which of course I could not change,) an im- 
provised choir, accompanied by an old piano, 
violin and flute, shouted glory to the church 
triumphant in Heaven, while they seemed to 
have no regard for the church " tortured " 
on earth. On the occasion of a church ben- 
efit to procure an Altar, I was amazed to 
find that a hurdy-gurdy and a hand-organ 
formed the only " musicale " that delighted 
the audience. The hand-organ repertory was 
exhausted only when it squealed out "The 
wind that shook the barley." 

In the church of Forest City, a lady who 
generally had her protestant husband accom- 
pany her, seldom suffered the Priest to finish 
his discourse until she had interrupted him 
two or three times. In the midst of his ser- 
mon he often had to explain to this good 
lady what the church meant by indulgences, 
the use of images, the veneration of the Blessed 
Virgin, and the Infallibility (not Impecca- 
bility) of the Pope. 

When entering a country boarding house 



246 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

in Arkansas, the first thing a Priest should 
do is to take off his hat. This simple act of 
politeness, while highly gratifying to the 
Catholics, affords a pleasing surprise to the 
unbelieving country " folk," who heretofore 
imagined every Priest had two horns on his 
forehead. Indeed, a tumor on the temple of 
a certain Bishop has excited a good deal of 
suspicion in this regard. This prejudice 
would appear inexplicable if we did not con- 
sider the confused notion which those be- 
nighted people have on the occasion of the 
installation of a Bishop, who must receive 
"the Bulls" before he can be ratified a Ro- 
man emissary. Such notions are gradually 
becoming obsolete, but there is no doubting 
the fact of their having been entertained, and 
even to the present day suspected by a certain 
low class of natives. The inany unfounded 
prejudices that the people have been taught 
to believe regarding the Pope and Priests, 
the Confessional, and other doctrines of the 
church, seriously mar the progress of Catho- 
licity in these regions. During the several 
years of my missionary life in Arkansas, I 
must say I never met a Protestant who had 
correct notions of the Catholic church. On 
the contrary, they often harbored opinions 
that are monstrous, if not blasphemous. 
Besides the church of Osceola, on the Mis- 



FOREST CITY AND OTHER MISSIONS. 247 

sissippi, I had to attend to three churches 
which I erected on the Little Rock R. R. at 
Hopefiekl, Forest City and Brinkley, besides 
all the interjacent little villages between Mem- 
phis and Carlisle. The Missions on this Rail- 
road were most arduous and destructive to 
health. (I feel convinced that they materi- 
ally contributed to ruin my constitution and 
superinduce the two paralytic "shocks" which 
have left me almost an invalid for life.) 

As there were often more than a thousand 
men employed on the railroad, (invariably 
all Catholics), the Priest was expected to say 
Mass at least every two months in each sec- 
tion house along the line. I had to hear the 
men's confessions generally on Saturday eve- 
nings, when they had quited work, and give 
them Holy Communion the following morn- 
ing. In winter, as I awoke in the morning, I 
often found my bed and bedding entirely 
covered with snow. The huts wherein the 
men slept, being built of rough logs, were not 
impervious to rain or snow. Mr. Martin Kel- 
ly, a prominent railroad contractor, still liv- 
ing in Memphis, remembers when he fre- 
quently endeavored to stuff the chinks of our 
little log cabin on the six mile trestle. 

In winter, the huts occupied by the section 
men were insufficiently heated. Having fre- 
quently remained over night in these cabins, 



248 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

I found it necessary to wear my overcoat and 
keep pacing the. floor of my sleeping com- 
partment until morning. Even when the 
sun had arisen, I often felt so cold that in 
order to keep my blood in circulation, I used 
to walk from Edmonson to the twenty-three 
mile bayou and return, a distance of twelve 
.miles. During the worst days of winter, it 
was no uncommon sight to find railroad men 
almost to their knees in puddle, while in 
summer the drinking water was so distasteful 
and stagnant that it had to be saturated with 
lime or rice: 

The trains of the Little Rock railroad, as I 
shall show later on, seldom during those years 
{'74-78) observed schedule time. In truth, a 
weather -bulletin was more reliable than a 
train moving East or West on this road. I 
often had to remain eight, and sometimes 
twelve hours of nights stretched on the cold 
floor of a wretched depot-room, and very 
•often adjacent to colored, and those still more 
unsavory expectorant country "folk," await- 
ing a due train. 

In addition to cold, the cravings of an 
empty stomach often tested human endur- 
ance. I remember spending a certain Christ- 
mas day at Brinkley, Ark. I was obliged to 
hear several confessions, say three Masses and 
preach. My Christmas collection amounted 



FOREST CITY AND OTHER MISSIONS. 249 

to forty cents. Breakfast at half-past one, 
p. m., consisted of a cup of coffee without 
sugar or milk, which I cooked myself, and a 
loaf of dry bread, which a little girl (named 
Mollie Dorsey) left for me in the Sacristy. 
Some one will ask, why did not the Catholics 
invite me? I repeated the same question to 
myself. Although there were three or four 
catholic families living near the church, it 
appeared nobody's business ; besides, a Priest 
in the possession of a forty-cent collection 
could afford to go to a hotel. 

As I have no desire to cast obloquy on the 
Catholics of this town, I simply state, by way 
of exoneration, that, as there was a very rich 
Catholic in the town, all the others imagined 
I was invited to his house. Between them 
all, Santa Clans gave me a very bare branch 
of the Christmas tree that morning. 

In each of the three churches I erected, I 
took care that a portion of the building was 
partitioned into a little room, wherein were 
placed a bed and stove. The Priest, when 
tired, could come here and lie down without 
disturbing or being disturbed by domestic in- 
mates. In saying being disturbed, I do not 
mean so much the screaming of implacable 
babes, or the noise in the barn or kitchen, as 
the more intimate and itching disturbance 
beneath the bed covering. I will refer to this 



250 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

as soon as I devote a few lines to the native 
Arkansas mosquito. Perhaps, of all the liv- 
ing things around, he is the most attentive to 
business. Once inside the canopy (or mos- 
quito-bar, as it is called in the South,) there 
is but one infallible way of putting an end to 
his venomous piping — simply to set a match 
to the mosquito-bar. Any other device will 
only infuriate the little creature, that is sure 
to draw some of your best blood before morn- 
ing. St. Paul gives a sad recital of his " per- 
secutions," " shipwrecks," and wonderful " es- 
capes," but, except the flaggellations alone, I 
would venture to undergo all the others rather 
than remain one night a helpless victim to a 
swarm of Arkansas mosquitoes. Even cows, 
sheep, and horses do not escape their venom- 
ous rapacity. You might almost see them 
coming into life, as they cover the stagnant 
waters of the swamps for a distance of sixty 
miles. 

Although the mosquito tantalizes during 
the long sleepless nights, still the unseen ene- 
my of man's nightly repose — the bug — is yet 
more tormenting. Besides, as their presence, 
unlike mosquitoes, bespeaks a want of vigi- 
lant housewifery, a gentleman — especially a 
•clergyman — cannot complain of those nasty 
vampires. Although I have no desire to di- 
late on this unseemly subject, still, I must say 



FOREST CITY AND OTHER MISSIONS. 251 

that during the years I attended the Mission- 
on the swamps of Arkansas, all my other pri- 
vations and sufferings did not equal the tor- 
tures those vile creatures caused me. As 
the rats and mice which I often had to en- 
counter at night never caused me personal 
injury, I became accustomed to their squeal- 
ings and nocturnal rompings. I would rather 
be surrounded by an army of those untamed 
rodents than remain passive to the odor and 
blood-sucking rapacity of one bug. Rather 
than sleep in beds I knew infested with them,. 
I often remained in the train all night, and 
came back on its return trip the next morn- 
ing. 

I mention these trials, not for the sake of 
arrogating self-credit therefrom, but with the 
view of inducing young Bishops having charge 
of missionary dioceses to be slow in mapping 
out a rural district, whose regular attendance 
calls for superhuman hardships, and often 
ruins the health of the visiting clergyman. 
I know many learned and zealous Priests 
who, for seven, and even ten years, have been 
attending most arduous Missions throughout 
Kentucky, Mississippi and other southern 
States, while others, having college titles 
prefixed or affixed to their names, escape all 
undesirable exposure, as they nestle around 
the Cathedral or some large city church. Al~ 



252 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

though I have the greatest respect for such 
dignitaries, still I think it would not soil their 
repute to labor a little while in the thorny 
portion of the Lord's vineyard. As the 
swarthy husbandman should not always be 
denied the flowers and fruit he cultivates, so 
the poor missionar}^ should be relieved from 
his arduous labors before he is disabled by 
age or infirmity. 

Although it may appear audacious, I hon- 
estly believe no Priest should be suffered to 
remain more than four years on any isolated 
mission as long as there is another who has 
not been on the missions, residing in the dio- 
cese. It may be urged that some Priests are 
naturally and intellectually more suitable for 
the city than the country missions. I grant 
the drift of popular surmise favors this hy- 
pothesis. However, as all catholic clergymen 
must complete a regular college course before 
ordination, I consider this natural or intellectual 
aptitude an artificial subterfuge rather than a 
passable argument. Many think that, while a 
man of ordinary parts would suit the country, 
a polished and gifted one should be retained 
in the city. Experience proves the contrary. 
The city Priest seldom or never meets any 
one that will dispute his doctrine, calling, or 
revenue. His person and his words are con- 
sidered sacred. The country missionary has 



FOREST CITY AND OTHER MISSIONS. 253 

everywhere to defend his church and doe* 

trine. Unlike his city brother, who will re- 
ceive his pew-rents and church-dues with ob- 
sequious courtesy and without preaching, or 
after any Mass, high or low, the missionary 
must preach a good sermon if he would have a 
pleased audience and a good collection. If the 
people give what they very often gave me. a 
very poor collection for my very poor services, 
the Priest must either do better the next time 
or starve, or else give up the missions. < )f 
course, a Priest has motives higher than this 
groveling pursuit, but, after all, the most 
elevated dignitary, besides being decently 
clothed, must eat and sleep — functions which 
require a moderate expenditure of the poor 
missionary's coppers. 'The city Priest's bed 
and board are generally prepared at his own, 
direction ; the country missionary has no 
right to order anything special for his meals 
(being supposed to have a patent stomach), 
while he is expected to express much thanks 
for the room and couch that are assigned to 
him. A talented and highly accomplished 
young clergyman, when he leaves college, 
should not be suffered to have the repository 
of those gifts tainted by the murky atmosphere 
of a large city. The fresh air of the country, 
for at least three years, is just the stimulative 
for him. 

•22 



254 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

Again, there is another difficulty with the 
missions. In many rural districts or small 
towns, prominent members of society who 
have a greater readiness to wield the pen than 
open the purse, frequently address to the 
Bishop of the diocese glowing letters full of 
promises which the Priest to his cost finds 
they never fulfil. Apprised- of this fact, (I 
have been informed) that Most. Rev. Arch- 
bishop Elder, while Bishop of Natchez, as 
also Bishop Fitzgerald, of Little Hock, when 
making their annual tours through their dio- 
ceses, used to tell the country people they 
should not apply for the regular attendance 
of a Priest unless they contributed ten dollars 
.at his every visit. This was hut just and rea- 
sonable, in view of the fact that Priests are 
frequently called sixty, and sometimes one 
hundred miles from home, either to attend 
the sick, marry or baptize, after which, some- 
times, their fare- are not offered to them. 

In the few remaining pages, I will endeavor 
to delineate some of the feature- of the topog- 
raphy of that portion of Arkansas that lies 
between Memphis and Little Rock, with a 
brief reference to its inhabitants and railroad 
enterprise, which I trust will not be uninter- 
esting to Xew Englanders and the people of 
other State- 



AN ARKANSAS QUAGMIRE. 255 

AN ARKANSAS QUAGMIRE. 

It must be remembered that when the Mis- 
sissippi overflows its banks, or rather natural 
bed, (as to sodden banks, they do not exist, ex- 
cept in the brains of White-House candidates) 
animals of the forest — such as bears, wolves, 
panthers, deer, coons and possums, of all which 
a variety roam through the surrounding 
woods — must betake themselves to the inte- 
rior as the waters advance. In their daily 
and nightly migrations, several are drowned, 
or perish with hunger or fatigue. Then, the 
fishes that leave the river-bed proceed miles 
into the country. When the waters subside, 
the carcasses of millions of these creatures 
may be seen decaying during the summer 
and autumn months. If you add to this de- 
bris, decayed leaves, plants, and vegetables, 
you will have a superficial picture of an Ar- 
kansas swamp. As the country is mostly 
virgin forest, the sun cannot reach a tenth 
part of all this decomposed matter. It is a 
peculiarity of the Mississippi to be continu- 
ally swallowing up the land that encroaches 
on its waters. Trees, forests, and sometimes 
entire villages, are submerged in this manner. 
It is curious, and almost painful, to see the 
entire sinewy roots of huge trees exposed to 
view, and waiting for their doom. In some 



256 MISSIONARY LIFE LN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

localities, where the river has risen high, the 
steamboats, which a few weeks before landed 
a half a mile away, come right up to the faun 
houses. I have known families who had to 
remain several weeks in the second story of 
their dwellings, waiting for the waters to sub- 
side. 

I recollect staying over night in a little 
town in the northern portion of the State, 
bordering on the Mississippi river. Having 
slept at a friend's house, I saw, as I awoke in 
the morning, a great steamboat coming right 
towards the house. I considered it prudent, 
not only to expedite, but to postpone all toilet 
service not absolutely necessary. Before I 
had time to go down stairs, the steamboat 
had already jammed against the house. The 
shock was soon over; but the gentle little 
jostle the house received was a potent " re- 
minder" that, if that domicile did not look 
out or leave the steamboat's way, her bow- 
sprit next time might split it asunder. Ropes 
and telegraph wires fastened to the ground 
secure many a dwelling house between New 
Madrid and Vicksburg. In fact, there is rec- 
ord of a whole village which has entirely 
disappeared from the banks of the river. I 
remember when the steamboat wharf at Na- 
poleon (1867) was a mile from the Catholic 
church. [This church, by the way, was ran- 



THE LITTLE ROCK RAILROAD. 257 

sacked by the Yankees, the natives say. The 
bell was dragged down from the steeple. I 
saw myself on the broken plaster where a sol- 
dier fired his gun at the crucifix over the 
altar. An Irish soldier killed the miscreant 
on the spot.] This church, the court-house — 
the entire village, are now buried in the river. 

the little rock railroad, as it appeared 
from 1869 to 1878. 

A glance over a map of the United States 
will show that Little Rock is almost directly 
due west of Memphis (133 miles). The Little 
Rock Railroad connects the two cities. This 
road had been for more than twenty years in 
process of erection. I mention its process of 
erection, because the only thing to be done, 
and which seemed never could be done, was 
to keep the road-bed above the surround- 
ing dump or mud. Forty-one miles of this 
road, from Memphis to Madison, were, and 
still are, in the midst of a virescent swamp. 
It took the train three and sometimes four 
hours to crawl over these forty-one miles. 
The train that left Memphis at half- past 
three p. m. was supposed to have made 
good schedule time when it reached Little 
Rock at half-past twelve next morning. If 
it had not to pass over two prairies, where it 
sped at the rate of forty miles an hour, it 

22* 



205 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

could not possibly reach Little Rock in less 
than twenty hours. Stepping off the cars. 
and looking at the road-bod, it appeared thus : 



if, in addition to the linear, you also include 
concave and convex, zigzag, tortuous twist- 
ings of the rails. As the road had never been 
approved, passengers had to take their own 
risks. It being the only direct road to Texas, 
and the West, the trains were always crowded, 
notwithstanding the delay that might be ex- 
pected. If a solid bottom could have been 
reached, a double track would be a paving 
investment. But this seemed impossible, 
when we consider that, for the previous 
twenty years, a thousand men, more or less, 
had been engaged repairing it, without any 
visible signs of progress. 

In one part of the road, there were six 
miles of continuous trestle. When a train 
fell through, as it frequently did, it was amus- 
ing to hear the wits and wags quizzing and 
gibing the Company and Officers of the road. 
Actors and preachers having special appoint- 
ments were remarkably eloquent in their de- 
nunciations. One cold winter's night, there 
was a " smash-up" in the woods near Black- 
Fish station. It took fifteen hours to repair 
the road. The passengers had to go into the 



THE LITTLE ROCK RAILROAD. 259 

forest. For fires, they piled railroad tics and 
great decaying logs that lay scattered around. 
As there was no inhabited honse nearer than 
six or eight miles, wild hogs, coons and pos- 
sums were roasted in the turf and soon de- 
voured. The ladies, who at first were ashamed 
to admit they were hungry, might be seen 
gradually becoming more familiar. Before the 
train was ready to move, they were very glad 
to eat or drink anything that was offered to 
them. I saw several parties eating raw cab- 
bage ; and the worst of it, the brakeman 
fought till he was overpowered to prevent 
even this. Although I will not vouch its 
accuracy, a conductor told me that on several 
occasions passengers would go into the woods, 
shoot down a wild turkey or a coon, and then 
leisurely overtake the train. While the loco- 
motive was puffing with all its might, I often 
got off myself, walked several hundred yards 
and afterwards found no difficulty in stepping 
on the platform of the hindmost passenger 
coach. On another occasion, I was in the rear 
caboose, when twenty-two freight cars were 
dashed into the woods, although the train 
was not going faster than eight miles an hour. 
Cows, horses, and a ear-load of hunting dogs 
afforded a strange sight. The plaintive howl- 
ing of the imprisoned and wounded dogs was 
an evident sign they did not appreciate, or at 



260 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

least anticipate the capabilities of the Little 
Rock railroad. 

I recall another event which, although bor- 
dering on the miraculous, was very amusing. 
Some twenty-five miles from Memphis, a train 
loaded with cattle and emigrants (both were 
often conveyed on the same train) was Hear- 
ing a trestle-bridge some twenty feet high, 
when all of a sudden a mule got on the track. 
The engineer immediately whistled down 
brakes, for next to a "wild engine," a mule 
to an average railroad man is the greatest 
terror. Before the train could stop, the engine 
struck the mule, and immediately jumped the 
track, about fifty yards from the trestle-bridge. 
By what appeared a miraculous intervention 
of Providence, the flange of the driving-wheel 
bumped over the cross-ties a distance of two 
hundred feet, and within one inch of the ex- 
treme edge of the trestle. Had the engine 
fallen over this frightful chasm, besides the 
engineer and fireman being scalded alive, it 
is almost certain that half the people on the 
train would be mangled to pieces. I noticed 
hardened old travellers turn pale as they re- 
viewed the long line of deep indentures made 
by the driving-wheel. Having just crossed 
the bridge, the locomotive, eight or ten box- 
ears, and three passenger coaches toppled over. 
On the cow-catcher, a tramp was stealing a 



THE LITTLE ROCK RAILROAD. 26 1 

ride. He was literally buried in the mud. 
It took some ten section men over an hour to 
dig him out. The poor fellow was not even 
hurt. When good humor was restored, all 
the passengers crowded around the tramp. 
One passenger (a Jew) told the tramp to sin 
the company ; another dryly remarked he 
had better first seek a soap factory and hose. 
At all events, the poor fellow was glad to have 
escaped with his life. As for the poor mule, 
his blood and bones were promiscuously scat- 
tered for several hundred yards on either side 
of the track. If, in the slang of Josh Billings, 
he intended to " demolish " the train, the train 
" demolished " him badly. But the surprise 
of this narrative is not yet ended. A stranger 
would imagine it should take a week to get 
this engine and those cars on the 'track again. 
You will scarcely believe — the train and sec- 
tion men had the locomotive and coaches re- 
placed on the main track in less than five 
hours. A small side-track was improvised. 
By means of hydraulic jacks and other im- 
plements (which were always carried for such 
contingencies), and a wrecking engine, the 
locomotive and cars were lifted out of the 
puddle and replaced on the track. From the 
nonchalance of the conductor, I presumed he 
scarcely considered it necessary to report to 
the company such a trifling accident. On 



262 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

either side of the railroad, between Hopefield 
and Argenta, might be seen the rust-eaten 
ruins of locomotives and the rotting debris of 
demolished cars, — each of which told the story 
of a ludicrous accident or an awful catastro- 
phe. 

It was no unusual occurrence on this rail- 
road for several years, that passengers should 
have 1 to await a due train three, five, and 
sometimes fifteen hours. Even then, the pas- 
sengers bad no scheduled guarantee or season- 
able hope that might allay their anxiety. If 
the trucks did not bump the traveller off his 
seat, they would assuredly keep him con- 
stantly agitated. In this respect, a New York 
Broadway buss was a half a century ahead 
of a passenger coach on the Little Rock rail- 
road. If there were not thousands of persons 
living who have witnessed many of the facts 
I relate, it would appear incredible that a train 
passing over this short distance would get oft 
the track once, twice, and frequently four 
times during a single trip. 

Lest the preceding remarks should tend to 
discourage traffic over this very popular rail- 
road. 1 would recall to the reader the heading 
of this article, which simply proposed to give 
a description of the road as it appeared from 
the year 1869 to 78. Even when the road 
was in its worst condition, human life was 



THE LITTLE ROCK RAILROAD. 263 

seldom jeopardized, owing to the fact that the 
rate of speed over the swamps did not exceed 
eight, and frequently not more than four 
miles an hour. The railroad company and 
not the public suffered most from daily mis- 
haps. 

During these years ('69 to 78) a passenger 
might see an approaching train which he 
wanted to "board" a thousand yards distant, 
but neither engineer, conductor, nor telegraph 
agent could afford him the least assurance as 
to what was going to happen before he would 
have occasion to produce his ticket. The 
train might pass over the thousand yards of 
swamp safely ; it might jump the track ; or 
a pair of trucks might break over the tortuous 
rails; or it might (what was often as annoy- 
ing) switch ::: for an approching tram, or "wood 
up," — a task which generally required half 
an hour. Indeed, I often heard a conductor 
abruptly answer a "green" traveller's inquiry, 
"that nobody in that place politely called 
i Gehenna 1 in the ' revised ' edition, could tell 
when the train would get to Memphis." 

I have no doubt but this road at present is 
complete, in which event it will be, for its 
length, the most popular railroad in the 
Southern States. 



*It frequently happened that a passenger or freight train would side track 
for a due train two and sometimes five hours. 



264 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 



INHABITANTS OF THE SWAMPS. 

( hi both sides of the railroad you see through 
the open car windows snakes of every size and 
variety, basking in the sunshine, or coiled up 
on decayed logs or the stumps of old trees, 
while countless numbers might be seen slouch- 
ing in the mire, or wiggling in the water, 
with now and then a '•copper," or "black- 
head," protruding. Some gentlemen-travel- 
lers take great delight in firing off their re- 
volvers through the windows at these defiant 
uplifted heads. I do not remember to have 
ever seen one killed by the most steady marks- 
man. The water moccasin and " copper-head" 
are said to be the most poisonous. .V passen- 
ger, one day as the train stopped to take in 
wood, attacked a huge rattlesnake as he lay 
stretched between the rails. He aimed a blow 
with a long stick, which broke, as he failed 
to hit the snake. All of an instant the snake 
coiled himself into a round, ball and erected 
his tremulous head and forked fangs. His 
little eyes were sparkling with fire. As the 
gentleman Hung at him the remaining por- 
tion of the stick, with an elastic bound the 
creature flung himself towards his assailant, 
;ii id had he not quickly ran back might 
have cause to rue his temerity. As the train 
•whistled to move we could hear the viper rat- 



INHABITANTS OF THE SWAMPS. 265 

tling defiance. Besides snakes, might also 
be seen mud turtles, (some as long and wide 
as an ordinary door) toads, eels and cat fish, 
wallowing in the mire. ( atholics from the 
East, travelling through those regions on Fri- 
day, often sigh for the fish-pots of Cape Cod 
and Provincetown, while they feast an empty 
stomach with the recollected flavor of scal- 
lops, oyster stew, and clambakes. 

While furnishing the reader with a detailed 
account of venomous flies and crawling vam- 
pires, I would be doing great injustice to the 
fecundity of the Arkansas swamps were I to 
overlook the superabundance of another spe- 
cies of reptiles. Stepping off the cars at any 
railroad station on the Little Rock Railroad, 
above the howling of wolves, the barking of 
prairie-dogs and the hissing of snakes, you 
will hear, if not very euphonious, at least very 
distinct noise. The creatures that cause this, 
though once of classic fame, at present do not 
rank very high among the upper "ten" of 
high toned vocalists. Like many of our mod- 
ern church choristers, if their voices are not 
appreciated they take good care and precau- 
tion they shall be heard. I would be loath 
to mention their names in this category, were 
I not convinced these creatures' phonetic ca- 
pabilities have been undeservedly underrated. 
I trust I will not overtask the reader's pa- 



2t)b MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

tience while I direct his attention to the my- 
riads of toads and bull-frogs that make the 
air resound with their discordant croakings. 
Passing by the toads, the Arkansas bull-frog 
deserves especial notice. This creature's body. 
though not very graceful, is assuredly well 
developed. There is no laconic stretch of im- 
agination in saying that the roar of a lion or 
a veritable bull would not resound so far as 
tlie dee]> groaning of this amphibious little 
prodigy. When I first heard the sonorous 
basso of the creature. I asked a woodman 
what wild animal made that terrible noise. 
When he informed me. I really thought he 
was bantering : I did not believe him then, 
and would not afterwards had not several 
other foresters repeated the same assurance. 

IRISH IMMIGRANTS IX EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

There is many a poor Irish Catholic family 
living in these benighted regions. In the 
wildest woods and prairies of Arkansas, Mis- 
sissippi and Missouri, our people are scat- 
tered. In twenty counties of Arkansas, where 
1 travelled, I always found an Irishman or 
an Irish family. Eight, ten. and fifty miles 
from Priest or church, still the faith was living 
and strong. Nine miles from De Vall's Bluff, 
on the prairie, bordering an immense forest, 
lived a poor Irishman by name Boland. His 



IRISH IMMIGRANTS. 2(37 

wife was a graduate of the Convent of Du- 
buque, and her father there is a wealthy 
farmer. His son-in-law having saved a couple 
thousand dollars (being an excellent carpenter 
as well as farmer), took a notion to emigrate 
to Arkansas. He bought a thousand acres, at 
fifty cents an acre, of this half prairie, half 
woodland. He, like many others, thought 
he would, in a short time, make a great fort- 
une. To the eye, this prairie land seems to 
be as rich and fertile as the prairies of Illinois 
or Iowa. But after a year or two, the poor 
farmer sees he was wofully mistaken. For 
corn and wheat, those prairies are a decided 
failure. Boland worked like a giant for two 
years. He wrote to Bishop Fitzgerald, beg- 
ging him to send a priest to baptize his two 
infants. The latter requested me to visit him. 
I ventured to find, or rather to hunt him 
up. Getting off the train at De Vall's Bluff, 
I hired a horse to carry me to the place 
where it was supposed this Boland lived. As 
I rode along, I passed many a herd of deer 
and several wolves or prairie dogs. At last, 
having reached the edge of the forest, I came 
to an impassable creek. I had to swim the 
horse overit — a resort new, and very disa- 
greeable to me at the time. Driving along a 
foot-path, or as woodsmen say, a "trail," for 
about a quarter of a mile, I heard a noise or 



268 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

echo, as though some one was felling a tree. 
I rode in the direction. At last I came to an 
open plot, which revealed that portion of Bo- 
land's farm he had cleared and reclaimed. 
Sure enough — there was Boland himself, 
stripped to the waist, with well poised axe, 
making the air resound with his hardy blows. 
Seeing me at a distance, he ran, seized my 
hands and kissed them ; then leading my 
horse, conducted me to his house. 

It was a wretched log cabin, entirely erected 
by himself and wife. We entered the house. 
There was the wife, with a babe in her arms. 
She began to weep when she saw me; they 
were tears of joy. Kneeling on the floor, she 
raised her eyes to heaven, and thanked the 
good God for having sent a Priest at last. 
The babe looked up, too, but perhaps it was 
only to its mother. She asked me for God's 
sake to remain a week, as she had not seen a 
Priest since she left home, and had not seen 
a white man for several weeks. I did not, for 
his wife's sake, wish to alarm poor Boland; 
otherwise, I would have asked, why, in God's 
name, did he bring this delicate woman, witli 
her babes, to this, if not God-forsaken, at least 
man-forgotten, wilderness? ' Next morning, I 
said Mass in their cabin. It would move the 
most hardened person to see this poor fellow 
kneeling, his big, brawny and bleeding hands. 



IRISH IMMIGRANTS. 269 

being clasped in fervent prayer. Beside him 
knelt his wife, clutching her two babes, while 

she occasionally raised her tear-fraught eyes 
to heaven. The children, in their mute be- 
havior, looked as though they were little an- 
gels. Having no carpet, the poor woman 
insisted I should stand on her shawl whilst 
saying Mass. I felt as though the first Mass 
said in that virgin , forest was the grandest 
sacrifice of my life. For dinner, we had 
prairie chicken and wild deer, which Boland 
had killed the day before. The saddest feat- 
ure, — the poor man was enthused with chime- 
ras of the future paradise he was determined 
to create. Ah ! he little dreamt, as I then 
surmised, that sickness and poverty would 
soon drive him penniless from that wretched 
wilderness. 

I remained with Boland two days. I can 
never forget my departure. The wife and 
children and poor Boland himself were audi- 
bly weeping — fearing, perhaps, they would 
never live to see a Priest again. I have lost 
trace of this man for the past fixe years. I 
trust he is now living with his respected 
father-in-law in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Another respectable family by the name of 
Noon, attracted by railroad pamphlets and 
land agents' advertisements, moved to this 
part of the country. Mr. Noon purchased 150 



23* 



270 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

acres of reclaimed land four miles north the 
little town of Carlisle, Arkansas. Although 
no Catholic church or school is within thirty 
miles of the place, he settled here with his 
family. After testing all the resources of man- 
ual labor and industry, he saw that his little 
-tore of reserved funds was growing less and 
less. At length he became discouraged, sold 
his farm and returned to his former home in 
Bristol, R. I. After preaching a sermon in 
the Catholic church of Bristol, last December, 
(1880) I was more than surprised when an 
elderly lady called to see me at the parsonage, 
and asked me if I were the Father Quinn that 
celebrated Mass at her house in Carlisle, Ark. 
I could hardly believe any Irish family from 
New England would have courage enough to 
settle in that dreary wilderness. The good 
lady, however, soon convinced me that she 
and her family emigrated to, lived in, and all 
but one returned safely from, the forests of 
Arkansas. The solitary exception was her 
young and beautiful daughter Maggie, (14 
years old) whom, as she expressed it, a 
" Hoosier made away with." 

Another immigrant, from Illinois, a Mr. 
Manning, purchased several hundred acres in 
another part of Arkansas, known as the Good- 
win Prairie. He, too, came with a firm be- 
lief that the prairie lands of Arkansas were 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE ARKANSIAX. 271 

as productive as those of his native State. 
Like most immigrants, he selected for his fu- 
ture homestead a place where prairie and 
woodland adjoin, with the view of having 
fencing and building materials, more accessi- 
ble. In one respect, Manning was more for- 
tunate than Boland. He had seven stalwart 
sons. Brinkley, where the nearest Catholic 
church stood, was eight miles distant. During 
a considerable part of the year the road was 
impassable ; still, he was seldom absent, not- 
withstanding he had often to wade his way 
through snow and slush. When I last heard 
from him, live years ago, he and his brave 
boys were still fighting the forest, or rather 
wasting their young lives in this unprofitable 
and assuredly most unhealthy soil. Such iso- 
lated Irish families as the above are scattered 
almost throughout every county of Arkansas, 
Their condition is especially deplorable, not 
generally because they have to fight and fail 
in the wilderness, but because they are be- 
yond the reach of church, school, or common 
civilization. 

THE "JFIOO'sIER" OR COUNTRY NATIVE AR- 
KANSIAX. 

There are a few, and only a few eligible 
cities in Arkansas. Little Rock, the capital, 
with some 16,000 inhabitants, is a beautiful 



272 MISSIONARY LIFE IX EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

city. Hot Springs and Fort Smith come 
next. After these. Pine Bluff, to Arkan- 
sians, is, or will soon be, an empire city. 
But to outsiders, Pine Bluff, like Jackson, 
Tennessee, is nestled in the midst of a loath- 
some swamp. All the other towns and vil- 
lages of Arkansas, put together, would not 
congregate as many people as the city of 
Louisville, Ky. ; while in appearance this 
hypothetical city would not look as well as 
Louisville sunk four stories into the earth. 
In Little Rock, Hot Springs, Helena, Fort 
Smith, and Pine Bluff, there are some very 
intelligent people. In fact, most of the vil- 
lages of the State having a population more 
than a thousand are like other cities, having 
an average mixture of citizens — good and bad, 
wise and foolish, virtuous and disreputable. 
But take the country native ; — for a low type 
of Caucasian humanity, I might challenge 
the world, not for his equal — for he has no 
incarnate stereotype — but for a specimen sev- 
eral grades above this anomalism. Although 
the people of the State of Indiana have a prior 
claim to the sobriquet of "Hoosiers," still, the 
country Arkansian, when designated from his 
city brother, is always called "the Hoosier." 
When I first saw a group of those creatures 
(1 do not refer to Indians), I began to specu- 
late which of the twelve tribes of Israel emi- 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE A.RKANSIAN. 273 

grated to Arkansas. It is true this native has 
a soul, and the Catholic church has an anx- 
ious eye after it. But while speaking of his 
soul with the greatest respect, I beg to state 
the Arkansian Hoosier's body is a pitiful 
wreck of humanity. It is the color of the 
clay on which he stands. I have seen them 
dipping snuff and eating clay. Some allow 
the latter is used as a substitute for gum, but 
I was assured there is a certain quality of clay 
which they actually swallow. 

I was once in the caboose of a freight train 
where there were some five or six of those 
country "folk." As the train passed Forest 
City, they ran to the side door to see what 
they never had seen before — a brick house, I 
had occasion to remember this event, for one 
of them stood on my foot, in his anxiety to 
see the modern marvel. Seeing me wince at 
the pain, he apologized, saying: " Boss, skuse 
me ; but that there house takes me all hol- 
low." As they had occasion to cross the Mis- 
sissippi in the transfer-boat, which took the 
train over to Memphis, a boy about nineteen 
years old poked his head through the wundow 
as a steamboat was passing. While a big navy 
revolver protruded through his hip pocket, he 
cried out: "0, ma, see how she puffs!" 

From personal acquaintance, I must say 
these natives are innocent and honest. Their 



274 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

notions of the Catholic church, in some cases, 
arc very ludicrous. The Bishop of Little- 
Rock dedicated a church in Forest City some 
seven years ago. During the week, I met one 
of those country Hoosiers, — tail, lank, and 
lazy-looking. " Parson/ 7 said he, "I under- 
stand the Pope is coming to Forest City next 
week." I told him the Pope could hardly 
reach Forest City by Sunday, but that the 
Bishop would surely be there. "Who is 
that?" he asked. Accommodating myself 
to his crude notions, I told him the Bishop 
was the " Boss " of all the Priests and Catho- 
lics of the State. "Well," continued he, "I 
don't know as I'll come to see the Bishop. 
I'd like to see the Pope ; I hard a good deal 
of that old gentleman. 1 ' A section foreman 
afterwards told me this old fellow was present 
at the dedication. He was so "skeered" that 
he would only enter as far as the church door. 
With distended eyes, he watched the Bishop, 
robed in full pontificals. On the occasion of 
the mitre being placed on the Bishop's head. 
he nudged his comrade, saying, " O, Lord! 
Jake, what a hat !" 

This might appear to some a story made up 
for effect, but Priests who attend missions in 
the South have often experienced more out- 
landish things. 

A Mr. Dowling, an Irishman who operated 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE AliKANMAN. 275 

a Hour mill in Friendship, is still living to 
testify the fact that once, while T was putting 
on the several vestments used at Mass. an old 
lady started for the door. On the assurance 
of Dowling that I had no more garments to 
put on, she was persuaded to remain. This 
old lady's fear, like many others, was founded 
on the prejudice that a Priest was a kind of 
necromancer, who, by dexterous manoeuvres 
and change of vesture, could cast a spell on 
those around him. You hear of Irish and 
English who, to their sorrow, and sometimes 
shame, can neither read nor write, but the 
average American backwoodsman does not 
know that the three R's are civil accomplish- 
ments. 

I remember once being announced to lec- 
ture (preaching was beneath the standard) in 
a little country town near the boundary limits 
of Missouri. As the place was about eight 
miles distant from the hotel wherein I boarded 
the previous night, I hired a horse, and was 
kindly accompanied by a medical doctor, who 
was the bearer of the invitation. Long be- 
fore we reached the town, my name was her- 
alded for miles around. Even the little vil- 
lage paper issued an extra on the occasion. 

As we drew near the town, we could see 
several young and old, male and female heads 
protruding through the windows and broken 



276 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

panes of the distant houses. — I suppose for the 
purpose of seeing what they had never seen 
before, a Catholic Priest. It was in the mid- 
dle of summer. In the evening, the hell of 
the Baptist church rang out for more than an 
hour, the warning for the "lecture/ 5 AYhen 
all had assembled, the little church was so 
crowded that I had difficulty in forcing an 
entrance. As the window sashes were all 
taken out, I could see a far larger multitude 
peering through the windows than the con- 
gregation that sat hefore me. 

Making use of the pulpit and Bible pro- 
vided for the occasion, and having announced 
the text, I had just begun to get into a vein 
of pertinent thoughts, when, to my disgust, 
my ancient church enemy — a sickly or fro- 
ward babe — began to scream. Seeing the in- 
fant had monopolized the attention of the 
audience, and fearing that during the course 
of the lecture I was likely to have a very per- 
sistent rival, I quietly requested the mother 
to take the little one to the door, or into the 
open air, until it would become quiet. She 
paid no attention to my appeal. I proceeded, 
hut soon felt that the baby was several notes 
higher than 1 could reach. I again requested 
the mother to leave the church. [She sat on 
i\ front bench.] This time she did not pre- 
tend to notice me. After another effort, I 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE ARKANSIAN. 277 

suddenly ceased to speak, and gazed at the 
congregation, 

Being aware that there were not more than 
three Catholics among the audience, I con- 
sidered a reserved course the more prudent. 
In most unassuming words, I appealed to the 
congregation, requesting to know their prefer- 
ence of orators, myself or the baby. From 
suppressed whispers in several quarters I could 
judge that they preferred to hear me for the 
time. The lady in question seemed to ac- 
knowledge this, also, for she, with her three 
sisters who sat near, immediately stood up, 
and with angry faces left the church for their 
homes. I then resumed my lecture, and al- 
though introducing the blessed Virgin, the 
Pope, and the Confessional, I received marked 
attention. In fact, a committee of some twen- 
ty gentlemen called to see me before I left 
the church, and requested me to remain with 
them a week, assuring me I would have more 
than one convert amongst them. As I had 
made other engagements, I could not accede 
to their wishes. The next day I was invited 
by the Doctor who accompanied me to dine 
at the house of a respectable resident of the 
place. I cheerfully promised to do so; but just 
as I had finished grace and sat down to table, 
to my amazement, whom did I recognize op- 
posite me but the three sisters and the mother 

24 



278 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

whom I had ordered out of church. To make 
my predicament more embarrassing, I was in- 
formed she was my hostess. I apologized with 
all the jarring phrases a guilty man generally 
makes use of. The lady told me not to be in 
the least disturbed. "Although I was a bit 
angry with you at first," she said, " myself 
and the girls got sorry and went back again." 
On our way home, the Doctor who accompa- 
nied me called at a drug store on the road- 
side, some two miles from the village we had 
iust left. As soon as he entered, I noticed the 
proprietor walked from behind the counter 
and went out the rear door. During his ab- 
sence, I could hear the Doctor rummaging 
among bottles under the counter. On our 
way home, as we quietly jogged along, I asked 
the Doctor why the proprietor left the counter 
as soon as he entered. With a cunning wink 
he informed me that as both were members 
of the "Temperance Brotherhood" their con- 
stitution obliged them to report a defaulting 
member ; so the other gentleman left in order 
that he might have no cause of complaint. 
In the course of our journey homeward the 
Doctor recognized an old country farmer 
whom we met on the way. After shaking 
hands and exchanging several rustic pleas- 
antries, the Doctor asked the farmer for a 
"chew." The old farmer appeared to be per- 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE ARKANSIAN. 279 

fectly scandalized. "Why, Dr. H 1" he 

exclaimed, " I thought you belonged to the 
church." The Doctor hung down his head, 
completely non-plussed. Casting a look of 
sympathy at myself, the farmer said : ll Par- 
son, I fear you have a very profane compan- 
ion." Hitherto, although I was aware that 
writing, fishing, or playing the piano on the 
Sabbath, had been regarded an unpardonable 
sacrilege by the country " folk"; this was the 
first time I was made to understand chewing 
was considered a licentious desecration. 

When we had arrived in the little town of 

C the Doctor insisted on my staying over 

night with himself. I consented. As I en- 
tered his house, or rather his wretched log 
cabin, he introduced me with the most obse- 
quious formality to his three sons and daugh- 
ter. The oldest son first came forward; "Rev- 
erend Father," said he, "this is my son, 
Horace — Horace, this is the Reverend Father 

Q ." He then afforded me the pleasure of 

shaking his hand. Milton, with hair combed 
back, and adorned with a profusion of po- 
made and curls, came next. " Reverend Fa- 
ther, this is my son Milton — Milton, this is 
the Catholic Priest." This gentleman also 
graciously gave me his hand. The next was 
introduced in like manner. Last of all, came 
the father's pet, Rosetta. Before all men, 



280 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

even ministers, every specimen of t]ie fair sex 
hold a prior place in Southern non-Catholic 
society ; hence the form of introduction was 
inverted in favor of Rosetta. " My daughter 
Rosetta, this is the Priest," She simply made 
a profound courtesy and assumed all the dig- 
nity of a virgin queen as she sat on an adja- 
cent stool. The room in which this lavish 
display of etiquette took place consisted of 
four wooden chairs, a table, a stove, three 
beds, and a shot gun. The Doctor left, apolo- 
gising that he had some patients to see before 
night. In his absence, the oldest son told 
me to make myself perfectly at home. He 
then asked me if I needed any refreshment. 
I cordially agreed to accept all that he could 
furnish. With all the inherited dignity of 
his father, he went out into the yard, and ap- 
proaching an old oaken bucket, he returned 
with a gourd filled with fresh water. Being 
very thirsty, I was pleased to accept the prof- 
fered refreshment. 

In an opposite garden, enclosed by a very 
high latticed fence, I noticed a countless num- 
ber of poultry : — geese, turkeys, ducks and 
chickens. I asked Horace why they kept so 
much fowl. Standing up, with a genteel 
courtesy he said : " Reverend Father, the 
people around here are very poor ; there is 
no money amongst them, so Pa has to ex- 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE ARKANSIAN. 281 

change his practice for poultry." He then 
resumed his seat, while Rosetta's cheeks re- 
vealed a modest blush. At night, when the 
Doctor returned, he and I occupied the same 
room. As he was called up about three o'clock 
to visit a patient, he assured me I would not 
be disturbed till morning. This pleased me 
very much, as I was very tired and anxious 
to sleep. As I awoke about eight o'clock, I 
was keenly mortified to notice the door and 
four windows of my room quite open, without 
any screen or curtain. The people on the 
sidewalks, and even in the adjacent houses 
could, (and no doubt did see me for several 
hours) lying in bed. Even as I resumed my 
clothes and cassock, I discovered two little 
urchins peeping through the chinks, in their 
curiosity to see a Priest. 

The reader may think it ungenerous, if not 
ungrateful, to expose to ridicule the domestic 
habits of those who, in their limited way be- 
friended me. In the first place, I would state 
in reply, that I have said nothing untrue or 
damaging to the parties ; secondly, I have in- 
dustriously substituted fictitious names, while 
the locality where this scene took place is as 
-difficult to be explored as would be the task 
of discovering a family simply addressed 
" Massachusetts," or " Connecticut." If I did 
not introduce a few such examples, I could 

24* 



282 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

not keep my promise to the reader to furnish 
a "graphic account of Arkansas missionary 
life." 

On the following Monday morning I left 
the Doctor's house to celebrate Mass in the 
Masonic hall, which was kindly tendered to 
me. The building was crowded with Cath- 
olics and Protestants. I dispensed holy com- 
munion to twenty-five persons. It was really 
edifying to see young and old, men and wo- 
men, with their beads and prayer-books which 
some had not used in church during ten 
previous years, kneeling with profound rev- 
erence, and audibly worshipping God. Some 
fifteen of those who had received the sacra- 
ments had ridden on horseback over ten 
miles, through swamps and thorny brush- 
wood, fasting. Amongst the latter was an 
enfeebled mother, sheltering her six months 
old babe. Their religious zeal and love of 
God might appropriately stand a rebuke to 
those lukewarm Catholics whom a little rain 
or cold will prevent going to Mass, even while 
living almost under the shadow of the church. 
As our Lord said of the centurion, I could 
truthfully say of those good people: "Such 
great faith I never witnessed during my mis- 
sionary experience." 

Not only Priests, but even Bishops, in the 
South, have often encountered such ludicrous 



THE COUNTRY NATIVE ARKANSIAN. 283 

adventures as those I have narrated. The 
present Archbishop of Chicago, when Bishop 
of Nashville, (I trust his Grace will not feel 
wounded by my reference to his name) had 
often to experience very embarrassing diffi- 
culties while making his Episcopal visits 
through the country. I remember on the 
occasion of his administering Confirmation in 
middle Tennessee, where he had to sleep in a 
room not larger than eight feet square. He 
being of a gigantic stature could almost touch 
the ceiling with his head. The room was so 
hot (in the midst of summer) that he could 
scarcely retain his ecclesiastical garments. 

I was once heartily amused, especially when 
I saw no possibility of averting the annoy- 
ance (the mother being present), when little 
unkempt country boys and girls jumped on 
his knees, toyed with his hat and watch-chain, 
searched his pockets, and abruptly asked him 
for a nickel. 

As I have already insinuated, a Catholic 
Bishop or Priest, before a real Southern non- 
Catholic lady, has no social or civil rights, 
except through her expressed permission. It 
would be considered very rude to lower or 
lift a window, to sit down to table or leave 
it, or to wear the hat on, without the lady's 
consent. If a young lady, besides a rug and 
shawl, had a score of parcels, the gentleman, 



284 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

even though he were far advanced in con- 
sumption, must carry them all. [Of course 
an old woman would be permitted to carry those 
things herself; whilst a blind or decrepit per- 
son is generally left in charge of the brake- 
man.] 

I remember once seeing a clergyman (I do 
not smoke myself) light a cigar at the rear 
end of a L. & N. passenger coach, which was 
•entirely empty, with the exception of a puny 
little specimen of the sex at the further end. 
He had scarcely drawn two whiffs when the 
little lady screamed out u Conductor /" The 
conductor hurriedly responded. She said in 
some sort of a key outside the natural scale 
that "some gentleman was smoking in the 
•car!" The conductor came up and ordered 
him to cease smoking in the ladies' car. Had 
I not known this clergyman dearly loved his 
mother, his chagrin was so bitter I could im- 
gine he wished that old "Adam" was never 
burdened with the presence of a " lady." 

A patron of Delmonico's would appear an 
uncouth monster were he to sit down to table 
and nonchalantly call for his bill of fare be- 
fore he had previously washed his face and 
hands and adjusted his hair and whiskers. 
To act otherwise would be an unpardonable 
breach of Arkansian etiquette, although in 
many instances there would be more sedi- 



THE HOG IN THE CHURCH OF BBINKLEY. 285 

ment in the water than in Ihe complexion. 
Domestic osculation is another feature of 
Arkansas country life. If there were thir- 
teen little boys and girls going to school, or 
to the cotton fields, each one is obliged to kiss 
father and mother before leaving and after re- 
turning. Even old, gray-bearded Pa (pro- 
nounced paw) has to give Ma her morning 
and evening salute, though the latter may 
sometimes be in an- oscitant rather than an 
osculant disposition. 

THE HOG THAT ATTEMPTED TO UPSET THE 
CHURCH OF BRIXKLEY. 

Although the two following anecdotes may 
appear to be rather puerile, still, as they are 
founded on fact, and furnish an occasion to 
give a scathing rebuke to a certain class of 
church members, I trust the reader will not 
be distressed at my recital. 

In the new little church of Brinkley (chiefly 
erected through the munificence of Messrs. 
Gun n and Black) there was a room 8x6 feet, 
set apart for the Priest's sleeping apartment. 
Right opposite was a Sacristy of similar di- 
mensions. The Sanctuary divided the two 
rooms. Very early one fine Sunday morning, 
as I lay on the little pallet, which was pre- 
pared (or rather which I prepared myself), I 
was startled out of a pleasant nap by a vio- 



286 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

lent upheaval of the floor and bed on which 
I lay. The presence of an earthquake at once 
occurred to me. I made the sign of the cross 
and repeated an act of perfect contrition. 
The vibration soon after ceased, and I con- 
soled myself with the hope that it might be 
a, century before anything similar would again 
occur. My centenary calculation, however, 
was soon falsified. Just as I began to nap 
again, my little bed began to describe an 
acute angle, and soon after a semi-circle ; and 
as far as physical elevation counted, I was 
lifted higher in the church than ever I had 
been before in my life. Considering this pro- 
motion too sudden to last long, I immediately 
jumped out of bed, and went directly out be- 
fore the little altar, where I knelt and extem- 
porized the best prayers of my life, for then I 
was preparing for what I considered inevita- 
ble death. I owed a few little bills, and wished 
from my soul I had paid them before I crossed 
the river Styx. I awaited the dread yawn of 
nature to engulf me. But, thank God ! I 
was mistaken in my fears. Nature and the 
little church remained very quiet, until I 
returned to my pallet again. This time I 
was not kept long in suspense, and was thor- 
oughly undeceived. A gentle snort from an 
imprisoned huge u Porcus " beneath the floor 
allayed all my forebodings. 



THE WOODPECKER. 287 

Two years after, when I was given charge 
of St. Patrick's parish in Memphis, finding 
among my good people some very meddle- 
some parishioners, I bethought myself of the 
hog that endeavored to upset the church of 
Brinkley. 

" Give me the avowed, the erect, the manly foe; 
Bold I can meet — perhaps may turn his blow; 
But of all plagues, good Heaven, thy wrath can send, 
Save, save, Oh ! save me from thy candid friend." 

— Canning. 

THE WOODPECKER. 

One fine Easter Sunday morning as I lay on 
the afore-mentioned pallet in Brinkley, after 
the manner of my favorite author, Edgar A. 
Poe, I heard a "rapping" and a gentle "tap- 
ping " at the opposite sacristy door. Thinking 
it was caused by some poor country "folk," or 
laborers on the railroad who wanted to go to 
confession, in order that they might fulfil the 
Easter obligations by receiving holy com- 
munion that morning, I called out to the 
parties to "wait a moment." I got up, has- 
tily put on my cassock and crossed over 
the Sanctuary to the Sacristy. As I un- 
locked the door I expected to see the par- 
ties who rapped. To my surprise, I failed 
to see any one although it w T as a bright moon- 
light morning. I called out, but got no an- 
swer. Although I did not experience the 



288 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

mental agony caused by the imaginary earth- 
quake, I began to think of ghosts and mid- 
night robbers. I went back to my room, 
looked at my watch, and was surprised to 
find it was but half past two, a. m. As I was 
very tired, having been seven hours on the 
train the evening before, I returned to my 
couch and was enjoying a good nap, when all 
of a sudden the "rapping" and "tapping" 
began again. As the. building was a new 
frame structure, the noise seemed to shake 
the whole church. Requesting the parties to 
" wait a moment," I jumped up and immedi- 
ately ran to open the door. Again I was 
nonplussed. Not a soul or body could I see. 

" Deep into the darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, 

fearing, 
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token." 

Being piqued at such disappointment, I 
resolved to see what it was — man or demon. 
Holding the knob, I gently closed the door 
to await the next rap. I did not have to wait 
long. On hearing the first tap, I immediately 
flung the door wide open, when to my sur- 
prise and disgust a villainous woodpecker, 
witli a scream, flew away and perched on a 
neighboring tree. Remembering that I should 
say Mass in a few hours after, I abstained from 
wishing my intruder more inconvenience than 
he caused me. Years after, when I was loca- 



THE WOODPECKER. 289 

ted in Memphis, and was called to see ladies 
and others whose presence was announced by 
the violent ringing of the door-bell of the 
parsonage, and finding they had little or no 
business, I could never refrain from thinking 
of the little woodpecker that caused me so much 
annoyance, although I had never wronged 
him or any of his family in my life. 

During my sojournings amongst the rural 
inhabitants of Arkansas, I often had to yield 
to the strange and ludicrous feeling of hear- 
ing myself addressed in all manner of titles, 
ecclesiastical, professional, military and civic. 
Almost every new acquaintance had another 
title for me. Judge, professor, squire, al- 
though familiarly used, were not as fre- 
quently prefixed to my name as colonel or 
captain ; while parson, brother, or priest 
•Quinn, was the usual form of address by 
those who believed in the " Church." In 
rustic Arkansian vocabulary, to " believe in 
the Church," simply meant any form of be- 
lief in God. I never found a native Ar- 
kansian (unbelievers, of course) that seemed 
reconciled to the Catholic custom of address- 
ing a Priest, " Father." In some cases it did 
noticeable violence to their outward respect 
for a friendly young Priest when some senile 
member of either sex accosted him in a 
" Fatherly " capacity. The spiritual sense 



290 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

in which it is used by Catholics appeared 
to be something which they could not, or 
at least did not wish to comprehend. 

Although I consider my personal remarks 
sufficiently intelligible, yet, before concluding 
these reminiscences, I would preclude the pos- 
sibility of misconception in my reference to 
the native inhabitants of Arkansas. 

I have stated that in large towns and 
cities the people's manners, customs and 
morals were not very different from, if not 
equal to, those of northern or eastern cities. 
In candor, I must acknowledge I have found 
native American Arkansians (with whom I 
have had a long and thorough acquaintance) 
some of the choice specimens of man and 
womanhood. They have proven themselves 
intelligent, religious, and strictly honest and 
honorable. My uncomplimentary remarks 
must be taken as referring only to those be- 
nighted natives that are born and bred in the 
wild prairies, forests or swamps of Arkansas, 
far away from the influence of church, school, 
or civic intercourse. These poor people have 
had no opportunity to ameliorate their physi- 
cal or social condition ; and, unless I would 
speak falsely, I must give them credit for 
having kept within the narrow limits of their 
social privations. The few preachers, or so- 
called ministers of the Gospel, that go amongst 



REVIVALS AND CAMP-MEETINGS. 291 

them only serve to confuse or confirm them 
in their ancient prejudices. 

During their autumn revivals and camp- 
meetings I have known hundreds whom I 
saw go into the waters and embrace the bap- 
tist faith, at the next conference of the Meth- 
odists, turn over and receive baptism from 
the hands of the Methodist preachers. Once, 
while spending a few days at Brinkley, Ark., 
I was surprised to learn that some fifty young 
men and women who, five weeks before, were 
baptized after the Methodist revival, were 
again immersed by the Baptist ministers after 
their revival. 

With all due respect for the hallowed cus- 
toms of other religions, I must say I never 
enjoyed any public display equal to a " Pool- 
immersion " or "Camp-meeting" in Arkansas. 
The members themselves laugh to exhaustion 
seeing a white or colored Brother or Sister 
"ducked" in the fulvid waters, while the 
shouting, when the " spirit " moves, is cho- 
russed by all the wags as well as co-religion- 
ists that surround the waters. A camp-meet- 
ing has been so often described that any effort 
of mine would not convey a more adequate 
notion of it. I will only add, that as far as 
" putting off the old man and vesting the 
new" — for moonlight recreation, frolic and 
fun, Mardi Gras and midnight Picnics are 



292 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

reticent and very restrained amusements. No 
wonder the poor people who are hood-winked 
by such religious shams are backward in so- 
cial integrity. With those people religion is 
so superficially regarded that it is scarcely 
possible to make them understand why a 
Priest, after preaching a " stirring sermon,"" 
would not immediately baptize all who ap- 
plied to him. A logical process of reasoning, 
and the orthodox mode of " searching the 
Scriptures," are lessons which heretofore they 
have not committed or appreciated. Still, 
although a thousand difficulties beset the 
zealous missionary in his efforts to evangelize 
this untutored and simple-minded people, 
yet I trust the day is not far distant when 
they shall be gathered into the " one true fold 
and guided by the one true Shepherd." 

THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OF LITTLE ROCK.* 

As the foregoing description of " Mission- 
ary " life has been devoted to Missions in 
eastern Arkansas, I should consider the sub- 
ject incomplete were I to omit a due reference 

*The following are the principal towns of Arkansas, with their population 
in brackets, taken from census of 1880 (Rand & McNally) : Little Rock, Capita] 
of State 1 13,185], has one Catholic church (Cathedral) and a convent, conducted 
by the Sisters of Mercy. Pine Bluff [3,800] ; one Catholic church and convent; 
Rev. J. Lucey, Pastor. Fort Smith [3,200] ; one church and convent; Pastor,. 
Rev. Lawrence Smith. Helena [3,000] ; one church and convent; Pastor, Rev. 
J. B. Boetzkes. Hot Springs [4,200]; one church and convent; Pastor, Rev. 
P. H. Garathy. 



THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OF LITTLE ROCK. 293 

to the Bishop and scant resources of the dio- 
cese of Little Rock. 

The diocese of Little Rock, comprising the 
whole State of Arkansas, is subdivided into 
seventy-five counties, containing an area of 
53,850 square miles, and a population of 802,- 
525, of whom 591,535 are white and 210,606 
colored. The country was first settled by the 
French in 1685; became a Territory, 1819; 
seceded from the Union, March 4, 1861 ; re- 
admitted, 1868. 

Right Rev. Andrew Byrne (consecrated 
March 10, 1844, died June, 1862,) was the 
first Bishop of the diocese. The present 
Bishop, Right Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, Avas 
born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, Oct. 
28, 1833, and while yet a child was brought 
to this country by his parents in 1849. Hav- 
ing finished his classical course at the prepar- 
atory Seminary, Barrens, Mo., he was sent to 
Mt. St. Mary's, Cincinnati, and afterwards to 
St. Mary's, Emmetsburg, where he completed 
his priestly curriculum. He received Holy 
Orders (Aug. 22, 1857,) when he had scarcely 
reached the age required by the canons. He 
remained Pastor of St. Patrick's church, Co- 
lumbus, Ohio, until he was appointed Bishop 
of Little Rock, Arkansas (Feb. 3, 1867). He 
was then supposed to be the youngest Bishop 
in the world. 

25* 



294 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

For six years after his promotion to the 
Episcopate, the Catholic Directory reported 
for the entire diocese only an average of four- 
teen priests, twenty churches, and 1500 Cath- 
olics. At present, the Directory (1886) gives a 
list of twenty-four priests, thirty-six churches, 
and 8200 souls. If this extraordinary increase 
were the result of recent conversions from 
Protestantism, it would reflect on the pre- 
vious administration of the Bishop, who, dur- 
ing the preceding fourteen years, only com- 
puted a census averaging from fifteen hundred 
to three thousand Catholics for the entire dio- 
cese. This increase is almost entirely due to 
Catholic immigration (chiefly German Catho- 
lic), which land-agents, railroad corporations, 
and even the secular and religious clergy 
have earnestly endeavored to promote. The 
Priests are justified encouraging immigration 
to several counties of middle and western 
Arkansas. Those who have colonized in 
such counties report entire satisfaction. 

But from my experience of southern and 
eastern Arkansas, emigration would be a very 
unsafe risk, at least, until the Mississippi river 
shall be confined to its natural bed. I allow 
the soil is indescribably rich and fertile ; but 
a graveyard and land bordering on a slaughter- 
house are also favored in this respect. I wish 
to adduce another fact, which no one, as far 



THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OF LITTLE ROCK. 295 

as I have seen, has hitherto stated concerning 
Arkansas. It is a bold and very important 
assumption, especially when related in the 
very chapter where I propose to give a synop- 
sis of the Bishop's life. 

I would state that my intercourse with the 
clergy of the diocese and personal experience 
w T hile attending for more than four years some 
eight or ten counties of Arkansas, lead me to 
affirm that the work of converting the white 
or colored natives is most disheartening, if 
not desperate ; especially those towns and dis- 
tricts that have facile access by railroad or 
steamboat. One would think that such ac- 
commodations would make the work of con- 
version less difficult. In mostly every other 
State this would be the case. I will explain 
the reason when I state that for almost seven 
years* I attended several towms in the eastern 
portion of the State, (Forest City, Brinkley, 
Palestine, DeVall's Bluff, Carlisle, and other 
towns,) more or less regularly, yet in all that 
time I did not baptize more than thirty con- 
verts. I doubt if any other missionary of the 
State could report greater progress. Before 
Father Keane's death, it was reported that he 
baptized one hundred converts in Pocahontas 
in one year. Before I question the certainty 

* Although I devoted but four years to regular attendance of these missions^ 
I visited several towns monthly for nearly seven years. 



296 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

of this statement, it must be understood that 
he was then, what I was not, a resident Priest. 
But what gives an air of suspicion to the re- 
ported number of conversions is the subse- 
quent fact that soon after his death church 
prospects in Pocahontas went down so far that 
the Bishop did not think it necessary to ap- 
point a successor to Father Keane. After his 
death a year had scarcely elapsed, when the 
Bishop deemed it advisable to take down the 
bell of the Pocahontas church and donate it to 
the little new church of Brinkley, which never 
counted membership exceeding seventy-five. 

The very fact that after twenty years only 
8,200 Catholics are reported for the entire 
State, and that at least two-thirds of these are 
immigrants, clenches the truth of my asser- 
tion. When we consider that the Priests of 
this diocese, with the Bishop at their head, 
are a zealous and enlightened body of men, it 
is not too much to suppose that these clergy- 
men would have made greater progress in 
any other State or Territory — yea, in the 
wilds of Africa or Cochin-China. 

After fourteen years, only sixteen hundred; 
and after twenty years, eight thousand two 
hundred Catholic souls ! Of the entire Cath- 
olic census I would not risk the assertion that 
three hundred were made converts in twenty 
years. Of course I make an exception of 



THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OF LITTLE ROCK. 297 

death-bed and gallows conversions, which 
have been very numerous in Arkansas. 

Although it seems incredible, yet it is a, 
fact, that in Tennessee, which is separated 
from Arkansas only by the Mississippi River,, 
the catholic aspect and prospects are quite 
different. Some of the leading merchants and 
professional men of the State are converts to= 
Catholicity. In the little town of Friendship,. 
Tennessee, I remember baptizing nineteen 
converts in one day. In Nashville, the capi- 
tal of the State, Catholicity, in worldly par- 
lance is " The religion." 

In Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, a 
Catholic Priest is regarded as some obsolete- 
revivalist of the "dark ages. 7 ' In Protestant 
sections more outlandish stories are told of 
the Catholic Priest and Sisterhood than ever 
an old Irish granny told the "rising genera- 
tion" of "spooks," "ghosts" and "fairies." 

What reasons can be assigned for this deca- 
dence or slow growth of Catholicity in Ar- 
kansas? The answer to this question will 
explain the above paradox regarding railroad 
and steamboat facilities being a hindrance 
to the growth of Catholicity in this State. 
Throughout all the districts that can be easily 
reached by cars or water, Preachers and Par- 
sons of all denominations are in abundance. 
The roads generally furnish them free passes. 



298 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

They hold daylight and midnight conferences 
and camp-meetings. I scarcely ever visited 
Forest City or Brinkley that some Protestant 
church revival was not in full glow. Distin- 
guished preachers from Memphis, Little Rock 
and other less important towns were invited 
to fill the country pulpits. They were all sure 
to give the " Pope " and " Papists " a bigoted 
hammer before closing the Bible. Their elo- 
quent declamations and well-rounded periods 
collapsed only when they had -proven that 
the great " Book of Books" was the deadly 
enemy of the "Romish Church." When cel- 
ebrated preachers could not be had, the black- 
smith left his smithy, the farmer his steers 
and plow, the shoemaker abandoned material 
souls in his zeal to convert immortal souls. 
In all the towns and country villages which 
I had occasion to visit throughout Arkansas, 
I found this custom prevalent. Services were 
held in the churches, not only two or three 
times on Sunday, but invariably two or three 
evenings of the week. Although several of 
those so called "Parsons" were quite illiter- 
ate, they had a process of argument and free- 
dom of speech that would astonish an ordi- 
nary pulpit orator. Venerable, gray-bearded 
old men, who happened to be a father, grand- 
father, brother, uncle, or cousin to half the 
country " folk " in the county, would take 



THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OP LITTLE ROCK. 299 

the Bible and endeavor to show his audience 
that the Pope was the Antichrist of the Apoc- 
alypse. The next Sunday the pulpit would 
be occupied by a handsome young doctor, 
lawyer, or bookkeeper, who would cause a 
dozen wagon-loads of young damsels to come 
and see his nice mustache, or the bisection of 
his hair and sandy whiskers. The following 
Sabbath a lady was to preach. If she could 
not win the hearts, she certainly gained the 
presence of her own sex, while it stood a 
question of gallantry with the other sex to 
hear the "lady." 

To each of those little towns, the Priest 
could pay a hurried visit but once a month, 
and sometimes not once in six months. It is a 
great wonder that even Catholics do not lose 
the faith in those little towns. The society 
and very atmosphere they breathe appear 
to be opposed to the dogmatic strictness of 
their religion. Hence a Priest, when endeav- 
oring to find who are the practical Catholics 
in the vicinage, has only to find out who 
abstain from meat on Fridays, and refuse to 
go themselves or send their children to the 
Protestant Sunday Schools. During the past 
twenty years an average of twenty Priests in 
Arkansas had to struggle against the preju- 
dice ingrafted by no less than twenty thou- 
sand Preachers. 



300 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

Had not God favored the Bishop of this 
diocese with a robust frame and unflinching 
perseverance, beyond a doubt the paucity of 
the Catholic population at present would be 
very discouraging. He has introduced into 
the diocese two or three religious Communi- 
ties, who appear to be making great progress 
in their several missions. From my experi- 
ence of the Arkansas missions, as recorded in 
the foregoing pages, the reader will be able to 
judge what this good Bishop must have suf- 
fered during the past twenty years. 

Although I cannot state as a positive fact, 
still I always believed what an intimate friend 
of the Bishop once told me — that during the 
first three years he spent in Arkansas, he felt 
it necessary to carry in his vest pockets large 
packages of quinine while making his regular 
tours through the diocese, in order to antici- 
pate or counteract the poison of chills and 
malaria. I remember many other privations, 
which, from the fact that they were more or 
less private, I dare not disclose. However, 
.as the following instance does not come under 
the ban of secrecy, I make bold to mention it. 

About seven years ago, I wrote to the 
Bishop, requesting him to come and dedi- 
cate a new little church that had just been 
erected in Forest City. As the train which 
left Little Rock on Saturday evening jumped 



THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OP LITTLE ROCK. 301 

the track on its way, the Bishop had to re- 
main up all night, and only arrived in Forest 
City about half-past five Sunday morning. 
As the Bishop rapped at the door of my lit- 
tle sleeping compartment, rear of the church, 
I got np and opened the door for him. He 
was shivering with cold, and appeared to be 
very unwell. He requested me to build a 
fire, stating that he felt very sick. I was 
mortified when I had to inform him that as 
yet there was neither a stove nor place for a 
stove in the church. Although tired, and 
suffering intensely, the good man had no op- 
portunity to take any refreshment until half- 
past one p. m., when dedication ceremony, 
Mass, and sermon were ended. 

During many cold, and, still worse, warm 
nights, this veritable " Missionary " had been 
obliged to sleep in log-cabins and chinky 
mud-houses, subjected to humiliations which 
a layman — much less a Catholic Bishop — 
would feel loath to bear. His humility is 
noteworthy, not chiefly because, on three oc- 
casions, he positively refused a change of dio- 
cese and church preferment, but especially 
from his suave address and ever readiness to 
oblige clergy and laity who apply to him in 
difficulties. 

Having travelled almost throughout the 
entire State of Arkansas, I make no hesita- 

26 



302 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

tion in reasserting that the diocese of Little 
Rock is of all the Missions of the States and 
Territories the most arduous and unhealthy. 
If it were not for the annual income of " Prop- 
aganda" funds, the Priests of the diocese 
could not subsist. The Bishop himself once 
assured me that he partially supported every 
Priest in the State except three. Even his 
own revenue in Little Rock, considering that 
he never computed his parishioners more 
than a thousand, must be very limited. His 
Christmas " cathedraAimm" need not incite 
the cupidity of robbers or burglars. Several 
Priests in the East and North have larger 
congregations than the Catholic population 
recorded for the entire State of Arkansas at 
present. Seeing this, what must be the hum- 
ble condition of his life during the seven years 
when only fifteen hundred Catholics were re- 
ported. Until the Bishop dedicated his new 
cathedral (Nov. 27, 1881), during the previous 
fourteen years he was obliged to worship in 
a frame building capable of seating about five 
hundred people, which number he never saw 
in the church at one time, unless on some ex- 
traordinary occasion. His residence during 
all that time, and I believe to the present 
day. might be considered an integral part of 
the old church — three of the Priest's rooms 
being located over the right transept of the 



THE DIOCESE AND BISHOP OP LITTLE ROCK. 303 

church. The inmates both " up and down " 
stairs had to speak in a low voice rather than 
be heard by people in the church, or what 

was more embarrassing, by colored neighbors 
who lived within a few feet of the Bishop's 
"Palace" 

Six years ago, Bishop Fitzgerald dedicated 
a little church in Hopefield, opposite Mem- 
phis. (Its dimensions were thirty by sixteen 
feet.) He delivered one of his finest lectures 
on the occasion. Indeed, myself and many 
others who could hear him through the open 
doors and windows, felt mortified that such 
beautiful thoughts, choice language and zeal- 
ous efforts should be lost with luke-warm pa- 
gans and semi-civilized natives, incapable of 
appreciating his eloquence or estimating the 
spiritual import and depth of his discourse. 
Besides being, like his diocese, a solid " lit- 
tle rock" of authority for all knotty questions 
in theology, philology, and christian classics, 
Bishop Fitzgerald ranks amongst the best 
conversationalists, and is, perhaps, one of the 
first English scholars in the land. 

Bishops in the North, East, and West, can 
boast of greater numbers of Priests, churches, 
convents, and people — in all these the pres- 
ent Bishop of Little Rock can make but a 
ludicrous comparison — but for undaunted 
christian zeal, humility and dignified schol- 



804 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

arship — for power to wield the pen, or give 
and accept the hand of a polished gentle- 
man — I seriously question if any individual 
of the American Episcopate deserves a pre- 
mium before the Bishop of Little Rock. 
Should realities yield to my poor wishes, I 
would gladly say : " May this young Bishop 
prosper and live long enough to outnumber 
the average years expected in the salute, "Ad 
multos annos; " yea, may the happiness meted 
to him in celestial chronology be "In aetcmum 
coram Deo et Angelis." 

AN APOLOOY. 

Having finished the last chapter of my lit- 
tle book, I would reaffirm my position re- 
garding the Southern climate and people, 
especially the citizens of Memphis. 

I have written things uncomplimentary to 
the climate of western Tennessee and eastern 
Arkansas. But I have stated nothing I did 
not believe to be true. While allowing that 
a poor man can make money more easily, 
and acquire wealth sooner in Memphis than 
in any other city of the United States, I 
must reassert what the more intelligent in- 
habitants themselves admit, that the climate 
is not the best or next best in the world. I 
feel convinced that if the Mississippi river 
were properly leveed (which work, I trust, 



AN APOLOGY. 305 

will soon be undertaken), Memphis would be 
the Metropolis of the South. I hope I have 
said nothing to wound the feelings of any of 
my Catholic friends or the citizens of Mem- 
phis. 

In reply to a presentation address read in 
my presence on the Christmas morning of 
'73, I stated that the words of the Irish poet, 
" There is no place like home," were not true 
in my case; "that, although Ireland was my 
native country, I preferred Memphis to any 
city in the world." I make the same declara- 
tion now. Although I have reason to regard 
the Priests and people of the diocese of Prov- 
idence as exceedingly kind and generous, still 
Memphians will ever hold a first place in my 
fondest recollections. Were I not convinced 
that the climate would prove disastrous to 
my enfeebled health, I would sooner live in 
Memphis, especially among the never-to-be- 
forgotten parishioners of St. Bridget's, than 
elsewhere in the world. I have stated that 
I have spent nine of the best and happiest 
years of my life in that ill-starred city. Even 
now I would love to spend the evening of 
my life in Memphis, with the hope that my 
body, after death, would be deposited within 
the precincts of that " Mound," beside the 
"remains" of my departed comrades — the 
staunch and true martyr- heroes that laid 



306 MISSIONARY LIFE IN EASTERN ARKANSAS. 

down their lives for the people of Memphis. 
As the facts I have recorded regarding the 
"Heroes" and "Heroines" of Memphis have 
remained in oblivion too long, I trust that, 
since I have endeavored to revive their saint- 
ly " memories," my critics will overlook any 
faults I may have committed. I also hope 
that Catholic papers and periodicals will af- 
ford me a kind word, seeing that I, as well 
as they, regret that during the past six years 
no one else has appropriated this most edify- 
ing and charitable subject. 

D. A. Q. 






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